The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for muscle damage involving the left buttock and hip, as secondary to his service-connected disability, is moot because the condition is already part of the service-connected sacroiliac dysfunction. The veteran's donor site scar at the left iliac crest is rated 10 percent disabling based on its area not exceeding 2 square inches (144 sq. cm.). The veteran's post-operative residuals of cyst removal, medial aspect of the left distal femur, to include tender scar at the elected site, are currently rated 20 percent disabling and cannot be increased as it has been in effect for more than 20 years.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's muscle damage involving the left buttock and hip is already part of his service-connected sacroiliac dysfunction. The donor site scar at the left iliac crest does not meet the criteria for an increased rating under DC 7801, as its area does not exceed 2 square inches (144 sq. cm.). The veteran's post-operative residuals of cyst removal are rated 20 percent disabling and cannot be increased due to the provisions in place for protected ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Muscle damage involving the left buttock and left hip
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 15, 2005
- Citation
- 0525240
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 0525240.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any related exposure.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.