The veteran's service-connected scars from shell fragment wounds are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current clinical findings.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations have shown no more than slight limitation of motion for the left shoulder and elbow due to the scars, which represents the maximum evaluation available under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wounds, retained foreign bodies
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 10, 2003
- Citation
- 0315475
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 0315475.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim of a compensable disability rating for residuals, shell fragment wounds, right leg (muscle group XIV), due to incomplete development and failure to issue a supplemental statement of the case.
- Denied
The Board has denied a disability rating greater than 10 percent prior to June 10, 2021 and greater than 30 percent from June 10, 2021 for the service-connected shell fragment wounds (SFW) to the neck, Muscle Group XXII.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for cause of death, exposure to Agent Orange, and psychiatric disability related to service.
- Denied
The Veteran's disability, characterized by shell fragment wounds and degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, was rated at 10 percent prior to July 9, 2019. The claim remains on appeal as higher ratings are available.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.