The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation, as the evidence did not support higher ratings or SMC based on complete organic aphonia.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the service-connected hoarseness and weak voice were not manifested by thickening or nodules of cords, polyps, submucous infiltration or pre-malignant changes on biopsy. The thyroidectomy was not shown to be manifested by tachycardia, tremor, and increased pulse pressure or blood pressure.
- Claimed conditions
- Hoarseness and weak voice, Thyroidectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 27, 2009
- Citation
- 0902714
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Remanded (sent back)
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