The veteran's shell fragment wounds and associated scars have been evaluated based on their current manifestations. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a compensable evaluation prior to September 24, 2001 for either condition or scar. For conditions rated under Diagnostic Codes 7804 (scar) and 5309 (hand), no higher evaluations are warranted as there is no evidence of pain, instability, or functional impairment that would justify a compensable evaluation.
The deciding factor: The veteran's shell fragment wounds have not been shown to be productive of symptoms such as tenderness, pain, or other symptomatology prior to September 24, 2001. The scar has also not demonstrated any signs of instability, pain, or functional impairment that would warrant a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Shell Fragment Wound of the Chin, Shell Fragment Wound of the Right Hand with Contracture of the Right 5th Finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 18, 2002
- Citation
- 0206469
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 0206469.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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