The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and an increased initial disability rating for his service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support an earlier effective date or a higher disability rating based on the criteria provided by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral gynecomastia, residual painful scars status post double mastectomy associated with bilateral gynecomastia, residual scars status post double mastectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 4, 2024
- Citation
- A24063415
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a right wrist disability and bilateral foot disability, as well as a 10 percent rating for bilateral gynecomastia. The claim for an increased rating for erosive gastritis with irritable bowel syndrome was denied.
- Dismissed
The veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for major depression, asthma, degenerative arthritis, status post surgery, and bilateral gynecomastia.
- Denied
The Board denied the claims for an earlier effective date, a higher rating for hypogonadism, and service connection for bilateral gynecomastia. The claims for sub-clinical hypothyroidism and SMC were remanded.
- Partly granted
The veteran is granted a 10% rating for bilateral breast reduction surgery scars but denied an increased rating for bilateral gynecomastia.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.