The veteran's claims for increased ratings of his upper extremity weakness and initial evaluation for bowel incontinence were denied. The RO found that the veteran did not have complete paralysis or loss of use, which are required for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the veteran had significant impairment but no complete paralysis or loss of use as required by the rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Right (major) upper extremity weakness, Left upper extremity weakness
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 5, 2003
- Citation
- 0334042
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 0334042.
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: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for multiple sclerosis and other conditions, as VA did not receive a claim within one year of separation from service or prior to February 6, 2023.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left upper extremity weakness is rated at 60 percent, and his left lower extremity weakness is rated at 40 percent since November 25, 2008. The Veteran's request for a higher initial disability rating for both conditions has been denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to clarify diagnoses and determine etiology.
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