The Veteran's claims for PTSD have been reopened. The initial disability rating for painful scar residual of shrapnel fragment wound, claimed as SFW, right leg is denied. The initial compensable rating for left popliteal fossa scar residual of shrapnel fragment wound, claimed as SFW, right leg is also denied.
The deciding factor: The new evidence does not establish a current diagnosis or treatment for PTSD and the Veteran's service records do not show any in-service mental health disability. The scars are rated based on their nature (painful, superficial) but not due to herbicide exposure as there was no such exposure noted.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)"}, {"condition_name":"Ischemic Heart Disease"}, {"condition_name":"Left Knee Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Right Knee Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Left Popliteal Fossa Scar Residual of Shrapnel Fragment Wound, Right Leg"}, {"condition_name":"Painful Scar Residual of Shrapnel Fragment Wound, Right Leg"}
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 2, 2020
- Citation
- 20000254
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.