BVA Case 23034954: Back
BVAReal Board of Veterans' Appeals decision · June 21, 2023 · Jennifer White
Conditions Claimed
BackKneeSkinHeartRespiratoryHypertension
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Issues on Appeal
BackKneeSkinHeartRespiratoryHypertension
Why It Was Decided This Way
As only a past history of asthma, and no current disability, was noted, the Veteran is presumed sound.
The May 2019 VA medical opinion obtained addressing a nexus between a right knee disability and service contains the factual inaccuracy that there was no evidence of any right knee injury during service.
The May 2019 VA medical opinion obtained addressing the possibility of a nexus between dermatitis and service contains the factual inaccuracy that the Veteran has not complained of dermatitis since 2014.
The May 2019 VA medical opinion addressing the possibility of a nexus between hypertension and service relied solely on the absence of an in-service diagnosis for hypertension and does not address the Veteran's contentions that he was diagnosed with high blood pressure during service, which was noted on his separation examination.
VA must provide the veteran with a medical examination and secure a nexus opinion in connection with a claim for service connection when there is evidence of a disability and evidence of participation in a TERA during active military service, but that evidence is not sufficient to grant service connection for the disability.
The examiner is informed that a positive opinion indicating a nexus to service does not require certainty.
Rather, if the weight of the evidence is in approximate balance for and against a nexus to service, the examiner should make a determination favorable to the Veteran.
) Whether the Veteran's dermatitis is at least as likely as not related to his conceded toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) from his deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Authorities Cited
Regulations Cited (38 CFR / 38 USC)
Denial Type
No Nexus|No Current Disability
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