The VA determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, with a retained foreign body and injury to Muscle Group III, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current 20 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The VA found no evidence supporting a higher evaluation based on the residual effects of the shrapnel wound and the presence of a retained metallic foreign body.
- Claimed conditions
- shrapnel wound to the right shoulder, retained metallic foreign body, injury to Muscle Group III
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 20, 2000
- Citation
- 0001647
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 0001647.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for shrapnel wound residuals and degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine are being remanded due to inadequate reasons and bases provided by the Board in their denial of the claims.
- Denied
The veteran's left (major) shoulder disability, characterized by residuals of a shell fragment wound and injury to Muscle Group III, is currently rated at 20 percent. The appeal has been denied as the condition does not warrant an increased rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development due to failure to provide proper notice and assistance under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The RO is required to issue a development letter consistent with VCAA requirements, conduct any necessary development, arrange for VA examinations, review the claims file to ensure compliance with remand directives, and readjudicate the issues.
- Denied
The Board denied a request for an effective date prior to February 6, 1995 for the grant of service connection for shrapnel wounds to the right shoulder and right thigh.
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.