The Board found that the Veteran's right below-the-knee amputation was not a result of VA medical treatment and denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.
The deciding factor: The opinion from the vascular surgeon concluded that the amputation was due to non-compliance with smoking cessation recommendations and genetic predisposition, unrelated to the 1985 bypass surgery.
- Claimed conditions
- Right below-the-knee amputation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 5, 2010
- Citation
- 1037648
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1037648.
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: Granted
The Veteran's right below-the-knee amputation is rated at 40 percent, and his chronic kidney disease is rated at 80 percent from May 31, 2018.,Prior to May 31, 2018, the Veteran's chronic kidney disease was rated at 60 percent.,The Veteran has been granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities and unemployability.,Entitlement to a higher disability rating for right below-the-knee amputation is denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his right below-the-knee amputation and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left foot, render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease due to herbicide agent exposure is granted. The right below-the-knee amputation claim is remanded as it may be related to the service-connected coronary artery disease.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verification of the Veteran's periods of active duty and inactive duty training. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.
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