The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer disease, superficial scar status post excision of left knee cyst, and residual scar of the left lower extremity due to a total knee replacement. The claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment was also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support higher ratings as the Veteran's symptoms were less than severe and did not meet the criteria for increased ratings under applicable regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Duodenal ulcer disease, Superficial scar status post excision of left knee cyst, Residual scar of the left lower extremity due to a total knee replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 3, 2023
- Citation
- 23000189
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for duodenal ulcer disease and a separate 10 percent rating for left knee degenerative joint disease by X-ray with painful motion, but the claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, PTSD, and left knee instability were remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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