The Veteran's decubitus ulcer and right ischial tear were not caused by VA negligence, as pressure ulcer protocols were routinely implemented. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right ischial tear and decubitus ulcer developed despite the implementation of appropriate wound care and prevention measures, including daily monitoring, wound care, cleaning, and turning every two to four hours.
- Claimed conditions
- decubitus ulcer, right ischial tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 8, 2023
- Citation
- 23027331
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 23027331.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran developed additional disability (decubitus ulcers eventually necessitating above knee amputations) as a result of an improperly fitted wheelchair prescribed by VA, which was due to VA's failure to exercise the degree of care that would be expected of a reasonable health care provider in prescribing and monitoring the Veteran's use of the wheelchair. The Board finds that compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for residuals of decubitus ulcers of the lower extremities, to include above knee amputations is warranted.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection for the cause of his death.
- Denied
The Veteran's cause of death was listed as chronic renal failure, obstructive uropathy, benign prostatic hypertrophy, urinary tract infections, decubitus ulcer, hypostatic pneumonia and sepsis. The Board found that these conditions were not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing they were incurred in or aggravated by service. Additionally, the Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease was determined not to have contributed to his death.
- Granted
The Veteran's death was caused by a completed stroke, which is presumptively service-connected for former POWs. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death was granted effective October 5, 2006.
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