The Board denied the appellant's claim for an increased rating for his left leg shrapnel wound residuals, finding that the disability did not warrant a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed only mild sensory deficits in the left lower extremity as the result of the SFWs, which more closely approximated mild incomplete paralysis of the peroneal nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wounds (SFWs) of the left lower extremity, peroneal neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 12, 2002
- Citation
- 0207721
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 0207721.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's peroneal neuropathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 20 percent, and his right hip arthritis is found to be secondary to his service-connected peroneal neuropathy. The Board has granted a higher rating for the peroneal neuropathy.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for peroneal neuropathy and varicose veins in the bilateral lower extremities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected varicose veins and peroneal neuropathy.
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