The VA denied both the claim for an increased rating and the claim for TDIU due to the veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The RO found that these conditions do not warrant a higher than 10 percent evaluation, as they are currently classified as moderate in severity.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran’s current symptoms and examination findings did not meet the criteria for a moderately severe or severe muscle injury, which would allow for a higher rating. The RO also found no evidence of impairment sufficient to warrant TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- gunshot wound to the abdomen
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 26, 2008
- Citation
- 0828879
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 0828879.
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: Denied
The Veteran died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen in 1983, classified as homicide. The Board found that his death was not caused by any service-connected disability and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant is seeking to establish a link between her husband's service-connected gunshot wound to the abdomen and his subsequent small bowel obstruction, which led to his death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The veteran's appeals for service connection and evaluations related to his gunshot wound and heart disease were denied due to lack of legal entitlement. The Board found no basis for higher ratings or earlier effective dates.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected disability (recurrent episodes of loss of consciousness, probably syncope). As such, service connection is granted.
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