The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of service-connected gunshot wounds to the abdomen and right thigh were denied as there was insufficient evidence to support higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not provide sufficient objective findings or clinical data to substantiate a higher evaluation based on muscle disability criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen, Residuals of a gunshot wound to the right thigh
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 12, 2000
- Citation
- 0012723
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0012723.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, but denied service connection for PTSD with depressive features and residuals of a gunshot wound to the right thigh.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's previously awarded 10% disability rating for service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen was restored, effective May 11, 1983.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from non-sedentary or sedentary employment, and the Board finds that he is not unemployable solely due to his service-connected conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, by themselves or in concert, have not been sufficient at any time during the period of the claim to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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