The Veteran's mid abdominal scar is not rated as compensable, and the Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a higher rating.,Service connection for left knee disability is denied because there is no evidence showing it began during service or is related to an in-service injury. The Veteran has a right knee disability which may be considered secondary service connection.,The Veteran's hypertension is presumed due to herbicide exposure, but the Board finds that VA examination/medical opinion is required to determine if it is caused by such exposure.,Service connection for colon cancer or residuals of colon cancer is denied because there is no evidence showing it began during service. The claim must be remanded for an adequate VA medical opinion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's mid abdominal scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802.,There is no evidence of left knee disability in service or related to an in-service injury. The Veteran’s current left knee disability may be secondary to his right knee operation, but there is no service-connected right knee disability.,The Veteran's hypertension is presumed due to herbicide exposure, but the Board finds that VA examination/medical opinion is required to determine if it is caused by such exposure.,There is no evidence showing colon cancer or residuals of colon cancer began during service. The claim must be remanded for an adequate VA medical opinion.
- Claimed conditions
- mid abdominal scar, left knee disability, hypertension, colon cancer
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 22, 2019
- Citation
- A19002177
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
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