The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for nicotine dependence and increased ratings for his PTSD and sensitive scar on the right thigh. The veteran's claim for nicotine dependence was precluded as a matter of law due to the VCAA provisions, while the other issues were denied based on the evidence presented.
The deciding factor: The veteran's claim for nicotine dependence was denied because it is prohibited by law after June 9, 2001. The increased ratings and service connection claims were denied based on the current evidence not meeting the criteria for higher evaluations or establishing a new basis for service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Nicotine dependence, Respiratory disorder (emphysema and COPD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Sensitivity scar on the right thigh, Residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right thigh
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 5, 2002
- Citation
- 0207344
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 0207344.
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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity conditions and PTSD, resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities such that he is entitled to specially adapted housing.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that these conditions are related to military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right and left hand pain are granted increased ratings, while his PTSD is denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.
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