The Board finds that the veteran's tracheostomy scar on his neck is compensable under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, as it resulted from treatment by VA in March 1981. However, there is no medical evidence linking any throat disorder or breathing problems to this surgery.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the veteran's symptoms were not causally related to the tracheostomy performed in March 1981 and noted other potential causes such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and long-term cigarette smoking.
- Claimed conditions
- throat disorder, breathing problems
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 24, 2002
- Citation
- 0206735
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0206735.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Denied
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