The Board denied the veteran's increased rating claim for postoperative residuals involving an injury to the left sixth rib with associated adhesive pleurisy and his TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not support a higher rating based on pulmonary function test findings, and the preponderance of the medical evidence indicated that the veteran was unemployable due to age and other factors unrelated to his service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show FEV-1 or DLCO (SB) results meeting criteria for a higher rating. The VA examiner found the veteran's current limitations were related to his age and service-connected disabilities, but also noted that he was unemployable due to other factors such as depression.
- Claimed conditions
- Postoperative residuals involving an injury to the left sixth rib with associated adhesive pleurisy, subtotal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer disease, hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, scar of the left mid-thoracic area associated with a subtotal gastrectomy for a duodenal ulcer, hiatal hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, scalp contusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 18, 2007
- Citation
- 0729341
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 0729341.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal stricture and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to a failure to obtain a medical opinion regarding the latter condition. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining such an opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate development of her exposure history and lack of adequate medical opinions. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for gastroesophageal reflux disease and obstructive sleep apnea have been withdrawn, and the claims are dismissed.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted with an effective date of March 15, 2017.
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