The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the RO's rating decisions of September 1971, as the evidence then of record did not support a higher evaluation for the veteran's shell fragment wounds and scar.
The deciding factor: The RO assigned initial ratings based on the severity of muscle injuries documented at the time, which were found to be consistent with the evidence available in September 1971.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wound of the right shoulder, shell fragment wound of the left posterior chest, scar of the right wrist
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 20, 2000
- Citation
- 0030304
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 0030304.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection and higher initial ratings for various conditions, including PTSD, shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, migraine headaches, thoracic strain, cervical strain, allergic rhinitis, hemorrhoids, right hand index finger residuals, right wrist residuals, and peripheral neurological involvement.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development to assess the Veteran's employability prior to May 7, 2019, considering his service-connected disabilities and past limitations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for coronary artery disease has been granted, with the effective date set at September 16, 2015.,Service connection for skin cancer is granted based on herbicide exposure during active service.,Service connection for scars secondary to service-connected skin cancer is also granted.,Increased ratings for a cervical spine strain are remanded for further examination and rating determination.,The Veteran's current 20 percent rating for the period following May 7, 2018, remains unchanged.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities, which have rendered him incapable of maintaining gainful employment. His TDIU claim has been granted effective from August 8, 2013.
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