The veteran's claims for service connection for malaria, a pinched nerve in the neck, and an increased evaluation for residuals of left shoulder shell fragment wound were denied. The veteran was granted a 10% disability rating prior to June 2, 2003, a 20% disability rating effective June 2, 2003, and a 30% disability rating effective September 8, 2004 for residuals of the left shoulder shell fragment wound.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service medical records were negative for any diagnosis or treatment related to malaria. The VA examination did not show any current symptoms or findings related to a pinched nerve in the neck. The veteran was diagnosed with alcohol and drug abuse, which is considered willful misconduct under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Alcohol and drug abuse, Malaria, Pinched nerve in the neck
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 6, 2006
- Citation
- 0600363
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 832 · Granted: 18% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0600363.
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 Veteran is granted higher levels of SMC and aid and attendance special monthly compensation effective May 3, 2024, due to his service-connected conditions that require regular aid and assistance.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for malaria, tinnitus, and bilateral foot disability due to a lack of current disabilities and insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient medical evidence on file regarding the etiology of the appellant's acquired psychiatric disorders. The VA must provide a medical examination or obtain a medical opinion in order to make a decision on these claims.
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.