The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected shell fragment wound to the left arm with retained foreign body, as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's disability was rated under the muscle injury codes and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the current functional impairment of his left upper extremity.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wound to the left arm, retained foreign body in muscle groups I and V
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 9, 2000
- Citation
- 0015374
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 0015374.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for residuals of shell fragment wounds to the left arm, right eye, left knee and left calf is being remanded due to inadequate examination. The issue of service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy (claimed as prostate disorder) was withdrawn by the Veteran during his hearing.
- Granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected shell fragment wound disabilities, assigning a 20% rating each for the left arm and back.,Both conditions were rated based on muscle group involvement rather than exposure to specific hazards like burn pits or Agent Orange.
- Denied
The veteran's application for Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1922(a) was denied because his application was untimely, and he had been competent during the applicable time periods.
- Denied
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.
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.