The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted. His residuals of shell fragment wounds of the left forearm and right buttock were also granted increased evaluations, with a non-compensable evaluation for the left forearm and a compensable evaluation (10%) for the right buttock. Service connection for a heart disorder was well grounded.
The deciding factor: The veteran's PTSD claim was reopened due to new evidence presented subsequent to the July 1998 rating decision, which established that his current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his combat exposure and wounds incurred during service in Korea. His residuals of shell fragment wounds were granted increased evaluations based on their current manifestations and functional impact. Service connection for a heart disorder was found well grounded.
- Claimed conditions
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Heart disorder, Residuals of shell fragment wound of the left forearm, Residuals of shell fragment wound of the right buttock
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 10, 2000
- Citation
- 0020954
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 0020954.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent level, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal of the denial for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed because the issue was already under review through Higher-Level Review.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.
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