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Denied

The Veteran's service-connected perforated esophagus through and through with GERD, left vocal cord paralysis due to tracheal injury, gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck, and comminuted fracture third metacarpal left hand are not entitled to increased ratings prior to December 9, 2008. Effective December 9, 2008, the Veteran's service-connected perforated esophagus through and through with GERD is rated at 10%. The Veteran's service-connected gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck are not entitled to increased ratings. The Veteran's service-connected comminuted fracture third metacarpal left hand is rated at 10% effective December 9, 2008.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the assignment of a higher rating for any condition prior to December 9, 2008. Effective that date, the Veteran's perforated esophagus through and through with GERD is rated at 10%. The gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck are not considered disabling.

Claimed conditions
Perforated esophagus through and through, Left vocal cord paralysis due to tracheal injury, Gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck, Comminuted fracture third metacarpal left hand
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
November 22, 2010
Citation
1043715

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 1043715.

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