The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the scar from shrapnel to the left shoulder, effective as of the date of the decision. The claim for an increased rating for retained shrapnel in the neck remains pending.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the veteran's left shoulder disability more nearly approximates a 'moderate' muscle disability under Diagnostic Code 5303, warranting a 20 percent evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Scar from shrapnel to the left shoulder","additional_notes":"Residuals include pain, loss of power and fatigue."}, {"condition_name":"Retained shrapnel in the left lower neck"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 6, 2006
- Citation
- 0627869
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 0627869.
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
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