The Veteran's increased rating claim for right wrist disability is granted, with a noncompensable evaluation.,The Veteran's compensable scars from the right leg are maintained. The current evidence does not support an increase in the rating.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen service connection for PTSD and left ankle disorder. These claims are remanded for further review.,Service connection is granted for PTSD, trichotillomania, and asthma due to Agent Orange exposure and smoke inhalation.,The Veteran's heart condition and spinal disorder have not been established as service-connected.,The Veteran's dental disorders do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The deciding factor: For the entire increased rating period, the right wrist disability has been manifested by symptoms of painful motion that are productive of noncompensable limitation of motion. Ankylosis was not present.,For the entire increased rating period, the residual scars of the right leg have been manifested by tenderness. The evidence does not support an increase in the rating.,The March 1995 and January 1997 rating decisions to deny service connection for left ankle condition and PTSD are final. New and material evidence has been received since these decisions, raising the possibility of substantiating the claims of service connection for PTSD and a left ankle disorder.,The Veteran engaged in combat with the enemy during service and had exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) and smoke due to brushfire. The current evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and trichotillomania, which are related to the in-service stressor events. Asthma is causally related to Agent Orange exposure and smoke inhalation.,The Veteran did not have, nor has he had at any time proximate to, or during the course of this appeal, a current diagnosis of residuals of a broken right arm other than a right wrist disability or a heart disability.,Service connection is granted for PTSD, trichotillomania, and asthma due to Agent Orange exposure and smoke inhalation. The Veteran's heart condition and spinal disorder have not been established as service-connected.

Claimed conditions

Right wrist disability, Residual scars from a laceration of the right pretibial leg (right leg residual scars), Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Left ankle disorder, Acquired psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD, to include trichotillomania and Tourette Syndrome, Asthma

How they argued it

Reopened with new and material evidence

Exposure basis

Gulf War

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 16, 2016

Citation

1647058

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 1647058.