The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The RO has developed all evidence necessary, but the residuals of shrapnel wounds are not shown to warrant higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a finding that the veteran's current disabilities are more severe than currently evaluated.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of shrapnel wounds to the upper extremities, Residuals of shrapnel wounds to the lower extremities, Scar of the right ear, Scar of the right malar region, Peripheral neuropathy (claimed as nerve damage in the arms and legs secondary to shrapnel wounds), Lung disorder, diagnosed as COPD (claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure), Acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), Chronic disorder manifested by headaches
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 16, 2001
- Citation
- 0120954
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 0120954.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder but remanded the claims for hypertension and erectile dysfunction.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of June 30, 2022, for service connection and a 100 percent disability rating from August 30, 2024.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and respiratory insufficiency (dyspnea).
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the right shoulder injury, while remanding claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic bronchitis with COPD, and GERD.
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.