Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The veteran's service-connected residuals of shell fragment wounds of the left hand are currently rated at 30 percent, and his right hand scars are rated as noncompensably disabling. The Board has determined that an increased rating to 40 percent for the left hand disability is warranted, while a 10 percent rating is granted for the right hand scars.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence supports the findings of significant functional impairment in both hands due to retained foreign bodies and limited motion, warranting higher ratings under appropriate diagnostic codes.

Claimed conditions
Residuals of shell fragment wounds of the left hand, Residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right hand
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
February 2, 2006
Citation
0603019

Veterans Law Judge

MARJORIE A. AUER

Decisions by this judge: 3,038 · Granted: 30% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)

Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.

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 0603019.

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.

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.