Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board found that the veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the pleural cavity, left posterior chest wall warrant a 20 percent disability rating under the new Diagnostic Code 6843. The evidence did not support higher ratings.

The deciding factor: The VA examiners concluded that the veteran's diminished respiratory function was due to his chronic emphysema and not his gunshot wound residuals.

Claimed conditions
gunshot wound to the pleural cavity, left posterior chest wall
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
January 7, 2000
Citation
0000607

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 0000607.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.