The Board has granted initial noncompensable ratings for dysarthria and dysphagia, but finds that the appellant's symptoms more nearly approximate marked speech impairment and moderate esophageal stricture, respectively. The issues of TDIU and a higher rating for head tremor are remanded.
The deciding factor: The clinical evidence supports the appellant’s complaints of marked speech impairment and difficulty swallowing warm liquids and solid food, warranting initial noncompensable ratings under Diagnostic Codes 7202 (dysarthria) and 7203 (dysphagia).
- Claimed conditions
- Dysarthria, Dysphagia
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 19, 2014
- Citation
- 1455884
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 1455884.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and dysphagia, finding that there was no documented history of esophageal stricture requiring daily medications to control dysphagia.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Inclusion Body Myositis with Dysphagia, finding that the Veteran's condition was caused by toxic exposures during his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's need for personal care services and whether participation in PCAFC would be beneficial. The VA will obtain an opinion from CEAT on these matters.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's significant other, R.W., has applied for enrollment in the PCAFC program. The AOJ denied eligibility due to a lack of evidence supporting personal care needs and supervision requirements based on the December 19, 2022 Veteran Functional Assessment Instrument. The Board finds this decision inadequate and requires a new medical opinion addressing the criteria for eligibility.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.