The Board found that the Veteran has residuals of in-service frostbite of the ears and right foot, but denied service connection for residuals of frostbite of the right lower extremity (other than the right foot), the left lower extremity and upper extremities due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his in-service exposure.
The deciding factor: The VA medical opinions provided conflicting conclusions regarding whether the Veteran's current sensory-predominant polyneuropathy is related to his in-service frostbite injury, with some indicating a link and others not. The Board gave greater weight to the July 2011 VA medical opinion which concluded that there were no objective findings to verify residuals of frostbite of the right lower extremity (other than the right foot), the left lower extremity and upper extremities.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of frostbite of the ears, residuals of frostbite of the right lower extremity (other than the right foot), residuals of frostbite of the left lower extremity and upper extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 9, 2011
- Citation
- 1141826
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 1141826.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the ears. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including blurred vision, night sweats, traumatic brain injury, sleep apnea, psychiatric disability (PTSD, major depression and anxiety), residuals of frostbite of the ears, and low back disorder. The decision is based on a finding that there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and left knee disorder, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active service. The claim for residuals of frostbite of the ears was granted.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.