The veteran's shell fragment wound scars of both shoulders are currently evaluated as noncompensably disabling. The RO denied the claims for increased evaluations, finding that the scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any evidence of deep or limited motion scars, and the veteran's symptoms were primarily related to degenerative joint disease rather than skin scarring.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wound scars of both shoulders, degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, arthritis change at the acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joints
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 30, 2004
- Citation
- 0427156
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 0427156.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for his shoulder and lumbar spine conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including various musculoskeletal conditions and mental health disorders.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for cervical strain, lumbar strain, and degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder as the evidence did not support higher ratings.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted from February 6, 2013. The Board found that due to his service-connected disabilities, he required the regular aid and attendance of another person.
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