The veteran's skin rash of the groin is found to be proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The veteran's PTSD more closely approximates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% evaluation for the entire appeal period. The veteran's hypertension has not met or nearly approximated the criteria for an increased rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The veteran is granted a compensable rating of 10% for his service-connected residual shrapnel burn scar, left leg.
The deciding factor: The December 2006 VA examiner found that the veteran's skin rash was proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and assigned a 50% evaluation for PTSD based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The RO did not find any evidence of kidney dysfunction or hypertension at least 40 percent disabling under diagnostic code 7101, which would warrant an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Skin rash of the groin and left arm
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 3, 2007
- Citation
- 0737937
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 0737937.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg disability is reopened, and the appeal is granted.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
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