The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of lacerations to the left index finger and hand (scars) and a bullet wound to the low back were granted. The lung disorder claim was denied, as well as the rating claims for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection was established for scars on the left hand and low back due to in-service injuries.
The deciding factor: The Veteran provided credible testimony about his service-connected scars, which are not related to any other conditions or disabilities. The VA examiner's opinion did not consider all relevant evidence, including the Veteran’s lay statements regarding exposure to paint fumes and asbestos during service.,There is no direct evidence linking the lung disorder with service. The VA examiner found that COPD was more likely due to smoking rather than service exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"residuals of lacerations to the left index finger and the left hand (scars)","condition_description":"Scars on the left hand and low back"}, {"condition_name":"residuals of a bullet wound to the low back","condition_description":"Scar from a bullet wound to the low back"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20074975
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.
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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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