The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frozen hands and feet, as new evidence did not establish an etiological link to service. The claim for increased evaluation for gunshot wound to the left scapula was granted with a 20% rating based on limitation of abduction at the shoulder level. The claim for scars, residuals of gunshot wound to the left paraspinal area, was denied as noncompensable.
The deciding factor: The new evidence did not establish an etiological link between current disability and service.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of frozen hands and feet, gunshot wound to the left scapula, scars, residuals of gunshot wound to the left paraspinal area at T4 and T10 levels
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 4, 2009
- Citation
- 0948546
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 0948546.
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 Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability involving his hands and feet due to service-related cold weather injuries, and thus cannot establish service connection for residuals of frozen hands and feet.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg disability is reopened, and the appeal is granted.
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