Service connection for scleroderma is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within the applicable presumptive period, and continuity of symptoms after service is not shown.,Service connection for heart disability (coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction) is granted based on in-service chemical and toxin exposure.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service records show he had chemical and toxin exposure while diving in contaminated waters during Army Reserve service from June 1976 to July 1982. The VA-contract examiner concluded that the Veteran's current diagnoses of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction are service-related due to his toxin and chemical exposure during service.
- Claimed conditions
- scleroderma, heart disability (coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 3, 2022
- Citation
- 22055866
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 22055866.
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 Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since June 30, 2018. The Board has granted a TDIU effective July 1, 2018.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The claims for special monthly compensation, scleroderma service connection, Raynaud's disease service connection, bilateral hearing loss rating, and PTSD rating are not currently before the Board.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for various conditions has been dismissed due to their death.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of lipomas, scleroderma, and polymyositis.
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