The Veteran's colon diverticulitis was not present during service and is not etiologically related to service or a service-connected disability.,Service connection for a nervous disorder was denied in July 1997. The evidence received since then does not provide new and material evidence to reopen the claim.,Left knee disorder was not present during service or within one year of discharge, and is not etiologically related to service or a service-connected disability.,Lumbar spine disorder was not present during service or within one year of discharge, and is not etiologically related to service or a service-connected disability.,Residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left ankle are manifested by mild degenerative changes and a scar that measures 8 centimeters (cms) by 1 millimeter (mms). The scar does not cause limitation of motion, muscle involvement, or other disabling effects. A rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected schistosomiasis is asymptomatic and therefore does not warrant a compensable rating.,The Veteran suffers no residual disability due to his service-connected rectal polyps.
The deciding factor: Colon diverticulitis was not present during service, and there is insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the condition and service or any service-connected disability. The claim for service connection is denied.,The July 1997 denial of service connection for a nervous disorder did not provide new and material evidence that would reopen the claim. Therefore, the claim remains denied.,Left knee disorder was not present during service or within one year of discharge, and there is insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the condition and service or any service-connected disability. The claim for service connection is denied.,Lumbar spine disorder was not present during service or within one year of discharge, and there is insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the condition and service or any service-connected disability. The claim for service connection is denied.,The residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left ankle do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent as they are manifested by mild degenerative changes and a scar that does not cause limitation of motion, muscle involvement, or other disabling effects. A higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected schistosomiasis is asymptomatic and therefore does not warrant a compensable rating.,The Veteran suffers no residual disability due to his service-connected rectal polyps.
- Claimed conditions
- colon diverticulitis, left knee disorder, lumbar spine disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 28, 2009
- Citation
- 0941120
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 0941120.
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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and lower extremity disorders, including as secondary to a lumbar spine disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and authorization for private treatment providers. The issues include heart disorder, OSA, sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder all related to Agent Orange 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.