The Veteran's service with the Merchant Marine after August 15, 1945 is not considered qualifying service for VA benefits. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for veteran status and is denied basic eligibility for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits.
The deciding factor: VA determined that the Appellant’s service with the Merchant Marine after August 15, 1945 is not qualifying service for the purpose of VA benefits based on his U.S. Coast Guard - Merchant Marine service record and lack of service department records documenting qualifying service.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19143079
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
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.