The Veteran's arthritis, hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), left hernia, verruca plantaris, and COPD were all denied service connection. The denial for arthritis was based on the lack of evidence showing a continuity of symptoms since service. The denial for hypertension was based on the absence of evidence demonstrating it manifested within one year of separation from service or with a continuous symptomatology. The denial for left hernia was due to the absence of in-service event, injury, or disease. The denial for verruca plantaris was because there is no evidence showing its onset during service. The denial for COPD was based on the lack of PFT values meeting the criteria for a 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's right hernia claim is remanded as the VA examiner did not provide an opinion addressing whether it clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service or if it was aggravated by service.

The deciding factor: The Board found that there was no evidence of arthritis, hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), left hernia, verruca plantaris, or COPD being incurred in service. The denial for right hernia is remanded due to the VA examiner's inadequate opinion regarding its pre-service status and whether it was aggravated by service.

Claimed conditions

arthritis, hypertension, left hernia, verruca plantaris, COPD

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating

Not verified here — check the original decision

Decision date

July 9, 2024

Citation

A24036624

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A24036624.