The Veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids, headaches, otitis media (ear infections), tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and upper respiratory infection have all been granted.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on direct evidence of their onset during active duty.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service treatment records show that he was treated for hemorrhoids in April 2002. His current reports of continuous symptoms since service are credible and outweigh the October 2003 VA examination report indicating resolution of his hemorrhoids. Headaches were noted during service, and subsequent medical records support their presence post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Hemorrhoids","diagnosis_date":null,"current_symptoms":true}, {"condition_name":"Headaches","diagnosis_date":null,"current_symptoms":true}, {"condition_name":"Otitis Media (Ear Infections)","diagnosis_date":null,"current_symptoms":true}, {"condition_name":"Tinnitus","diagnosis_date":null,"current_symptoms":true}, {"condition_name":"Obstructive Sleep Apnea","diagnosis_date":null,"current_symptoms":true}, {"condition_name":"Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)","diagnosis_date":null,"current_symptoms":true}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 15, 2019
- Citation
- 19178479
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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