The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frostbite affecting his feet and hands, finding that there is no current disability related to these conditions.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner diagnosed DJD (degenerative joint disease) in both right foot and hand, but did not find a diagnosis of frostbite. The Veteran's symptoms are consistent with exposure during combat service, but the examiner could not provide a diagnosis of frostbite without resorting to speculation.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of frostbite of the feet, Residuals of frostbite of the hands
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 23, 2011
- Citation
- 1111567
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 1111567.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's foot disabilities, including whether they are related to his service in Korea.
- Dismissed
The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability is dismissed. The issues of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the hands and feet are denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED to the RO for further action, including scheduling a hearing at his correctional facility or accommodating his request through other means. The case will be returned to the Board if necessary.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not found to warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent, and he was also denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
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