The Board denied the veteran's claim for a separate rating for shell fragment wound residuals of the neck other than a scar, to include a separate rating for limitation of function of the neck due to a shell fragment wound.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the only residual disability related to the shell fragment wound was the scar and that degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and associated range of motion abnormalities were unrelated to his in-service injury.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wound
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 9, 2007
- Citation
- 0735672
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0735672.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability that had been continuously rated totally disabling for at least ten years immediately preceding his death, or within five years of his discharge from active duty. Therefore, DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are denied.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for bullet and shell fragment wounds, as well as other claims due to the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities is remanded. The Board requested a medical examination and opinion but found that the provided reports were not substantially compliant with their instructions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected shell fragment wound was rated at 30 percent effective March 7, 2016. The Board found that the increase in disability was factually ascertainable as of this date.
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.