The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of shell fragment wounds to his legs and knees, as well as a compensable rating for residuals of shell fragment wounds to his left foot (2nd and 3rd toes). The decision found that while the veteran sustained injuries in combat during World War II, there was no evidence of SFWs to his legs or knees. However, he has current disability involving his legs and knees as a residual of shrapnel wounds from service.

The deciding factor: The Board determined that although the veteran's service medical records do not confirm SFWs in combat specifically involving his legs or knees, there are definite residuals of shrapnel wounds to these areas. The veteran has current disability involving his legs and knees as a residual of service-connected injuries, but does not have any residual functional impairment from shell fragment wounds to the 2nd and 3rd toes on his left foot.

Claimed conditions

residuals of shell fragment wounds to the legs, residuals of shell fragment wounds to the knees, residuals of shell fragment wounds to the left foot (2nd and 3rd toes)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating

Not verified here — check the original decision

Decision date

April 29, 2002

Citation

0203920

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 0203920.