The Veteran's service-connected perforated esophagus through and through with GERD, left vocal cord paralysis due to tracheal injury, gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck, and comminuted fracture third metacarpal left hand are not entitled to increased ratings prior to December 9, 2008. Effective December 9, 2008, the Veteran's service-connected perforated esophagus through and through with GERD is rated at 10%. The Veteran's service-connected gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck are not entitled to increased ratings. The Veteran's service-connected comminuted fracture third metacarpal left hand is rated at 10% effective December 9, 2008.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the assignment of a higher rating for any condition prior to December 9, 2008. Effective that date, the Veteran's perforated esophagus through and through with GERD is rated at 10%. The gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck are not considered disabling.
- Claimed conditions
- Perforated esophagus through and through, Left vocal cord paralysis due to tracheal injury, Gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck, Comminuted fracture third metacarpal left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 22, 2010
- Citation
- 1043715
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 1043715.
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
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- Whole decision: Denied
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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