The veteran's right ankle injury, frostbite of hands (paronychia to the fingernails), and frostbite of feet are all found to be related to his service. His PTSD is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 9411. The veteran's shell fragment wounds, multiple, superficial, do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the veteran has residuals of his service-connected right ankle injury and frostbite to his hands and feet, which are related to his military service. His PTSD is rated at its maximum schedular value due to the severity of his symptoms, including nightmares and sleep disturbance. The shell fragment wounds do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as they do not result in any limitation of motion or other disabling effects.
- Claimed conditions
- right ankle injury, frostbite of hands (paronychia to the fingernails), frostbite of feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 29, 2004
- Citation
- 0434194
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 0434194.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for initial compensable disability ratings for left and right ankle injuries, leading to the dismissal of these claims.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle injury and sleep apnea, which were previously denied in initial decisions. The appellant is eligible for attorney fees based on the past-due benefits awarded.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury, residuals of a left knee injury, and tinnitus.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury, residuals of a left knee injury, and tinnitus.
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