The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to Muscle Group XII of the right leg do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent. However, giving the benefit of doubt and considering the evidence in equipoise as to whether post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right knee is related to his service-connected condition, the Board has determined that a separate disability evaluation of 10 percent for this condition should be granted.
The deciding factor: The veteran's gunshot wound residuals have been evaluated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5312, which pertains to injuries of muscle groups. The evidence does not support an increase in rating beyond the current 10 percent assigned since the injury was considered healed and there is no indication that it has worsened significantly over time. For the knee condition, while post-traumatic osteoarthritis is present, the Board found the evidence equally balanced as to whether this condition is related to his service-connected gunshot wound residuals.
- Claimed conditions
- gunshot wound of muscle group XII, post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 28, 2005
- Citation
- 0505474
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 0505474.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for a pilonidal cyst, and initial increased ratings for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right knee and instability of the right knee were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new disability rating or effective date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, including whether they are related to service.
- Denied
The Board found that the veteran's service-connected knee disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.
- Denied
The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound.
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