The veteran's lipomas in the chest, abdomen, back, right arm, and left arm have been granted a 10% rating each. The veteran also received a 20% rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left buttock (Muscle Group XVII) and a 20% rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the low back (Muscle Group XX). No compensable rating was granted for multiple laparotomies of the abdomen. The veteran's right shoulder arthritis has been granted a 10% rating.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the lipomas in various anatomical regions, as well as the gunshot wound residuals, met the criteria for a specific percentage rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Costochondral Osteochondritis, Bilateral Defective Hearing, Lipomas of the Chest, Lipomas of the Abdomen, Lipomas of the Back, Lipomas of the Right Arm, Lipomas of the Left Arm, Residuals of a Gunshot Wound to the Left Buttock (Muscle Group XVII), Residuals of a Gunshot Wound to the Low Back (Muscle Group XX), Residuals of Multiple Laparotomies of the Abdomen, Residuals of a Gunshot Wound Consisting of Hepatitis and Residuals of Liver Abscess (Muscle Group XIX), Right Shoulder Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 12, 2000
- Citation
- 0018143
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 0018143.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions at the time of the June and August 2025 decisions. The cases will be returned to the AOJ for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error in the initial disability rating for right shoulder arthritis. The Veteran needs an addendum medical opinion regarding additional lost range of motion during painful flare-ups.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronic in-service injury or disease leading to arthritis and strain. The Board also found that continuity of symptomatology since service could not be established.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder, but granted an effective date of February 4, 2024, for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD.
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