The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound of the posterior chest is remanded due to inadequate medical evidence and need for further examination. The issue also includes consideration of whether separate ratings are permitted under Diagnostic Codes 5320 and 5321, as well as an extraschedular evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not address the relevant rating criteria, including specific findings with respect to the residual impairment of the sacrospinalis muscles and range of motion measurements. The veteran's testimony indicated that his service-connected disorder interfered with his personal and professional life.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wound of the posterior chest, post-traumatic stress disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 8, 2002
- Citation
- 0200200
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 0200200.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for post-traumatic stress disorder to provide her with another opportunity to attend a new VA mental health examination.
- Granted
The Board grants the appeal in full, granting service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
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