The Board granted service connection for atherosclerosis, residuals of stroke, seizures, left ischemic optic neuropathy, and major depressive disorder with major vascular neurocognitive disorder, all as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected atherosclerosis.
The deciding factor: Service connection was granted based on the evidence showing that these conditions were proximately caused by or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected atherosclerosis, which is presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Atherosclerosis, Residuals of stroke, Seizures, Left ischemic optic neuropathy, Major depressive disorder with major vascular neurocognitive disorder
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 29, 2024
- Citation
- 24004330
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 is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Denied
The appeal was denied for an earlier effective date and increased rating for the service-connected conditions, but granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of September 26, 2021, for the award of an initial 100 percent rating for seizures and related benefits.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, traumatic brain injury (TBI), seizures, neurocognitive disorder, and headache disorder to obtain a new VA examination and opinion.
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