The veteran's service-connected residuals of shrapnel wounds to the thoraco-lumbar spine and right thoracic area are currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for these conditions. The Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted as there is no evidence of more than moderate impairment in either muscle group.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected residuals do not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5320 (for Muscle Group XX) or Diagnostic Code 5301 (for Muscle Group I).
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of shrapnel-type wounds (STW) of the left thoraco-lumbar spine, Residuals of STW of the right thoracic area
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 10, 2000
- Citation
- 0003408
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0003408.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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