The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities were denied. The current ratings for the conditions are considered protected under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support an increase in evaluation beyond the currently assigned 20 percent for residuals of a gunshot wound to the large intestine with a healed colostomy, and no other condition warranted a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a gunshot wound to the large intestine with a healed colostomy, duodenal ulcer, shell fragment wound to the right hip, Muscle Group XVI, shell fragment wound to the lower abdomen with a healed ventral hernia, Muscle Group XIX
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 22, 2000
- Citation
- 0033513
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 0033513.
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 Board granted a rating of 60 percent from January 27, 2016 to July 7, 2022 for the Veteran's duodenal ulcer, duodenitis, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for the Veteran's service-connected gastritis and duodenal ulcer.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for degenerative intervertebral disc and duodenal ulcer, as well as the TDIU claim, due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for fibromyalgia, duodenal ulcer, and PTSD with TBI, but granted service connection for left ear hearing loss disability.
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