The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of pneumonia, to include COPD is denied as there is no persuasive evidence showing the current condition began during or was aggravated by service.,Service connection for a left shoulder disability is denied due to lack of credible evidence linking the current condition to service.,Service connection for right ankle disability, to include small vessel PAD, and left ankle disability, to include small vessel PAD, are both denied as there is no persuasive evidence showing the conditions began during or were aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's STRs are unavailable due to a fire. The VA examination report concluded that his COPD was less likely than not incurred in or result of in-service injury, event, or illness, noting the absence of objective evidence indicating that his COPD began in service or as residuals of pneumonia during service and the lack of continuity of symptoms since service.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), left shoulder disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 17, 2023
- Citation
- 23039345
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 23039345.
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.
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