The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating for post traumatic stress disorder or a compensable initial rating for residuals of shrapnel wound to the middle finger of the left hand, and denied service connection for residuals of shrapnel wounds of the right wrist and forearm.
The deciding factor: The veteran's psychiatric disability was rated as 30 percent disabling under the old criteria but not higher. The new criteria did not support a higher rating either. For the initial rating claim, there was no evidence of significant impairment in work efficiency or social functioning. Service connection for residuals of shrapnel wounds to the right wrist and forearm was denied due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Residuals of shrapnel wound to the middle finger of the left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 26, 2000
- Citation
- 0010974
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 0010974.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on housebound status due to his service-connected disability, but denied for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the period from January 22, 2008 to July 23, 2012 due to his service-connected Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives and the need for another VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is being reviewed again.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the claim.
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.