BVA Case 08-1627: Ptsd

Mezo's rhinitis and chronic sinusitis were allergic in nature and were not related to the blood transfusion he received during service.

Mezo VA benefits for an upper respiratory disorder,finding that there was no record of any treatment for an upper respiratory disorder during service and that the January 1998 VA examination report did not show a nexus between the claimed upper respiratory disorder and a blood transfusion during service.

Mezo's low back disorder was less likely than not related to his military service.

In the decision currently on appeal,the Board found that Mr.

Mezo's low back disorder and upper respiratory disorder were not related to his active service and that the legal criteria for an effective date prior to August 7,1995, for his award of VA benefits for burn residuals had not been met.

Mezo's claims for VA benefits for a low back disorder and an upper respiratory disorder, the Board found that there was a lack of credible evidence supporting any continuous symptoms,that the VA medical examination reports did not show a nexus between the claimed conditions and service,and that the preponderance of the evidence was,therefore,against the claims.

Mezo argues that the Board did not properly account for the lay evidence of record and that he should be given the benefit of the doubt.

Mezo's other arguments, the Secretary asserts that (1)the Board did consider the lay evidence of record; (2)the Board specifically considered whether the benefit of the doubt doctrine was for application, but found that the evidence was not in equipoise;(3) Mr.