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Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)

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
Not verified here — check the original 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0200200.

What this means for you

A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.

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.

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