The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for colostomy residuals condition has been denied.,Service connection for pneumothorax and bacterial infection have both been denied, as the evidence does not support their existence or relation to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's colostomy residuals condition is rated at its maximum schedular rating of 30 percent. The VA examiner found no additional impairment beyond what is already accounted for in the current rating.,There is insufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of pneumothorax or bacterial infection, and the Veteran does not currently have these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Colostomy residuals condition, Pneumothorax, Bacterial infection
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- August 30, 2018
- Citation
- 18130696
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 18130696.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his pulmonary fibrosis was at least as likely as not related to his presumed in-service exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange). The decision also considers whether his service-connected diabetes mellitus contributed to his lung conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's cause of death is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and VA treatment records.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of pneumothorax has been granted. The initial rating for PTSD before October 29, 2020 remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for bacterial infection, right little finger disability, vertigo, and short-term memory loss due to lack of current disabilities. The claims are remanded for further development.
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.