The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left hand are currently manifested by complaints of numbness and pain between the middle and ring fingers, as well as grip weakness. The evaluation is granted at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the veteran continues to experience symptoms such as numbness, pain, and decreased grip strength in his left hand, which are consistent with residuals of a shell fragment wound. These findings support an increased rating to 20 percent under the appropriate diagnostic codes for musculoskeletal disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wound
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 27, 2002
- Citation
- 0206937
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 0206937.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability that had been continuously rated totally disabling for at least ten years immediately preceding his death, or within five years of his discharge from active duty. Therefore, DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are denied.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for bullet and shell fragment wounds, as well as other claims due to the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities is remanded. The Board requested a medical examination and opinion but found that the provided reports were not substantially compliant with their instructions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected shell fragment wound was rated at 30 percent effective March 7, 2016. The Board found that the increase in disability was factually ascertainable as of this date.
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