The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for right shoulder, right arm, and neck disabilities. The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for anxiety disorder but it remains in appellate status as the maximum schedular rating has not been assigned.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence is against finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses of right shoulder, right arm, and neck disabilities are related to service. The Board found the Veteran's assertions regarding in-service motor vehicle accidents to be less credible due to lack of prior complaints or treatment records indicating such injuries.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Anxiety Disorder, not otherwise specified"}, {"condition_name":"Right Shoulder Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Right Arm Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Neck Disability"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- October 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19179662
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.
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- 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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