The Board denied increased ratings for throat cancer, difficulty swallowing, and thyroid conditions from June 13, 2012. The Veteran's symptoms were found to be more nearly approximating the criteria for a constant inability to speak above a whisper (throat cancer), moderate stricture (difficulty swallowing), and continuous medication required for control (thyroid condition).
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support higher ratings based on the severity of the Veteran's symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Throat Cancer, Difficulty Swallowing, Thyroid Condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 7, 2024
- Citation
- A24044753
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 A24044753.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's xerostomia with difficulty swallowing and difficulty speaking is now rated at 10 percent, effective as of the date of this decision. The claim for a separate rating for dental or oral conditions due to xerostomia was denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is denied due to lack of in-service onset or link to service.,Service connection for thyroid condition is denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to service.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for difficulty swallowing, stooped posture on the right and left sides, constipation, sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction), and loss of use of a creative organ. However, it denied higher ratings for these conditions as well as increased ratings for nerve impairments.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and remanded the claims for throat cancer, neck/cervical spine disorder, psychiatric disorder, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss.
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