The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for ear and foot disorders. The veteran presented testimony indicating he had no preexisting ear disorder on enlistment but developed recurring ear problems during service, which led to his discharge from active duty. He also testified about a pre-existing bilateral foot disorder that was aggravated in service, resulting in surgery times eight toes for hammertoe release and tendon transfer post-service.
The deciding factor: The veteran presented testimony indicating he had no preexisting ear disorder on enlistment but developed recurring ear problems during service, which led to his discharge from active duty. He also testified about a pre-existing bilateral foot disorder that was aggravated in service, resulting in surgery times eight toes for hammertoe release and tendon transfer post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- ear disorder, foot disorder
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 30, 2004
- Citation
- 0402824
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 0402824.
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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