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Whole decision: Denied

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a gunshot wound to the left thigh based on aggravation of a pre-existing disability. The claim for a compensable evaluation for postoperative fracture of the mandible right ramus and left angle was granted, but with a noncompensable rating.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that there was new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection based on aggravation of a pre-existing disability. The veteran's current condition does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation as his postoperative fracture has no displacement or limitation of motion, and it has not impaired masticatory function.

Claimed conditions
GSW of the left thigh, postoperative fracture of the mandible right ramus and left angle
How they argued it
Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
January 31, 2001
Citation
0103009

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 0103009.

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.

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