The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the conditions, except for constipation which was granted a 10 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show at least moderate or severe incomplete paralysis required for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Partial loss of sense of smell, Difficulty swallowing, Erectile dysfunction, Speech changes, Constipation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18119843
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 18119843.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of prostate cancer due to VA's failure to notify him of his April 17, 2008, elevated PSA test results and its failure to timely diagnose and properly treat his disease.
- Granted
The Veteran's September 4, 2024 HLR request was improperly rejected by the AOJ. The Board finds that the request is timely and valid, and reinstates the claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings.
- Granted
The Veteran's GERD with constipation is rated at 30 percent effective September 3, 2024. Prior to this date, the rating was 10 percent.
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