The Board granted service connection for basal cell carcinoma and a higher initial disability rating of 70 percent for other specified trauma-and-stressor-related disorder, while denying increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, right lower radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, chronic rhinitis, tension headaches, and mitral valve prolapse.
The deciding factor: The Board granted service connection for basal cell carcinoma based on the Veteran's fair skin and history of sun exposure during service. For other specified trauma-and-stressor-related disorder, the evidence supported a higher initial disability rating due to occupational and social impairment in most areas. The denial of increased ratings was based on the lack of evidence supporting more severe manifestations.
- Claimed conditions
- basal cell carcinoma, cardiac arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, respiratory insufficiency (dyspnea), obstructive sleep apnea, other specified trauma-and-stressor-related disorder, lumbosacral strain, right lower radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, bilateral hearing loss, chronic rhinitis, tension headaches, mitral valve prolapse
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 17, 2025
- Citation
- A25109208
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