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 assigned
- 20%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0948546.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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