The Board found that the right above-the-knee amputation was not caused by VA's carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. The proximate cause was believed to be an infection resulting from a pressure ulcer on the Veteran's heel.
The deciding factor: VA treatment did not cause the additional disability as there is no evidence that the improper fitting wheelchair led to the infection and subsequent amputation.
- Claimed conditions
- Right above-the-knee amputation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 24, 2014
- Citation
- 1407876
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 1407876.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for continued payment of SMC at the housebound rate as he did not meet the statutory requirements for one service-connected disability rated as 100% and separate disabilities rated at 60% or higher, nor was he permanently housebound by reason of service-connected disability or disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran is entitled to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his service-connected right above-the-knee amputation and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, which together preclude locomotion without the aid of an electric wheelchair.
- Denied
The Board found no evidence of negligence or fault on the part of VA in treating the Veteran's femoral neck fracture, and ultimately denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a right above-the-knee amputation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran is seeking compensation under the 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a right above-the-knee amputation performed as a result of VA treatment, but his claim must be further developed due to outstanding private and VA records.
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