The Board has dismissed the appeals as the Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for a pulmonary condition, an increased disability rating higher than 40 percent for residuals of a left leg shell fragment wound, and an initial disability rating higher than 20 percent for left lower extremity scar residual of shrapnel wound and skin graft. The Board also found that the Veteran's lumbar spine strain is secondary to his service-connected residuals of a left leg shell fragment wound.
The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his claims, and there was no evidence of a chronic low back condition in service or within one year after discharge.
- Claimed conditions
- Pulmonary condition, Left lower extremity scar residual of shrapnel wound and skin graft, Residuals of a left leg shell fragment wound, Lumbar spine strain, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Left knee degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 8, 2016
- Citation
- 1646054
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 1646054.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for a right knee scar secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability status post knee replacement. However, the rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent and needs to be re-adjudicated due to a failure to obtain private mental health treatment records.
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