The Board found that the Veteran's ulcer disability pre-existed service and did not increase in severity during service, thus rebutting the presumption of soundness.
The deciding factor: The examiner determined there was no objective evidence of worsening of symptoms during service and noted other multiple risk factors for gastritis.
- Claimed conditions
- ulcer disability
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 15, 2009
- Citation
- 0947381
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 0947381.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeals concerning the issues of service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability, chronic kidney disease, cervical spine disability, sinusitis, and ulcer disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands all claims for service connection for various conditions secondary to hemochromatosis due to the need for additional development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for an ulcer disability, asthma, sinusitis, folliculitis, and bilateral shin splints.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for an ulcer disability and increased ratings for foot disabilities due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
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