The Board determined that the veteran's shrapnel wound residuals did not warrant an increased disability rating for either his right wrist or right lower back, hip, and upper thigh (Muscle Group XVII) conditions.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss due to pain or limitation of motion, as the scars were superficial and nonadherent with no underlying soft tissue damage. The veteran's range of motion was within normal limits for the right wrist, and there was no arthritic changes documented.
- Claimed conditions
- shrapnel wounds
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 24, 2005
- Citation
- 0517348
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 0517348.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for shrapnel wounds because new evidence did not establish a current diagnosis related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for shrapnel wounds due to new and material evidence. The issue of service connection for hypertension is remanded as there is insufficient information on whether it is related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for shrapnel wounds and unspecified skin condition on bilateral lower extremities due to lack of current diagnosis or manifestations. The case is remanded for further development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unemployable or unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period on appeal prior to June 1, 2009.
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