The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including EBV and mononucleosis with residuals, chronic fatigue syndrome, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neck scar, Bell's palsy, GERD, chronic sinusitis, bilateral shoulder condition, left index finger injury, left index finger scar, and right ear hearing loss have been granted.,The Board found the preponderance of evidence supported the Veteran's claims for service connection based on his in-service diagnoses and continued symptoms.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran had a history of contracting EBV and mononucleosis during service, which led to various conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neck scar, Bell's palsy, GERD, and chronic sinusitis. The medical opinions provided supported these findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and mononucleosis with residual viral symptoms and infection, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Neck scar, Bell's palsy, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Chronic sinusitis, Bilateral shoulder condition, Left index finger injury, Left index finger scar, Right ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 31, 2018
- Citation
- 18146329
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 18146329.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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