The Board denied service connection for a left thumb disability, vein disorder of the left lower extremity, and dental avulsion of tooth number 9 due to lack of current diagnoses.,An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent was denied for limitation of extension left tibial fracture with left knee degenerative joint disease, left ankle and Achilles strain associated with left tibial fracture, shortening of the left lower extremity secondary to left tibial fracture, and medial compartment muscle weakness of the left lower extremity.,Special monthly compensation (SMC) by reason of need for regular aid and attendance or being permanently housebound was denied. Special monthly pension (SMP) based on need for regular aid and attendance or being permanently housebound was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have current diagnoses for the claimed conditions, which is a requirement for service connection.,The preponderance of evidence did not support an increase in disability ratings for the left tibial fracture and associated conditions.,There was no factual need for aid and attendance or permanent housebound status.
- Claimed conditions
- left thumb disability, vein disorder of the left lower extremity, dental avulsion of tooth number 9
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 5, 2018
- Citation
- 18131477
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 18131477.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantial gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantial gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for chronic dry eye, chronic fatigue syndrome, constipation, IBS, left little finger disability, left index finger disability, left thumb disability, left ring finger disability, left long finger disability, right ring finger disability, right index finger disability, right long finger disability, and right thumb disability due to an error in the initial decision. The Veteran was not provided with notice of her right to a hearing on these issues.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's neck disability but has remanded the issue of service connection for his left thumb disability due to a duty-to-assist error.
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