The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left groin with fibromyositis and retained foreign body, but granted a separate 10 percent rating on the basis that the disability picture includes manifestations more closely approximating an unstable superficial scar.
The deciding factor: The disability level in Muscle Group XVI was no more than moderate, and there was no evidence of widespread injury or residuals. The most recent examination disclosed a slightly depressed scar, which is considered to be an unstable superficial scar.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wound of the left groin, fibromyositis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 14, 2008
- Citation
- 0835232
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 0835232.
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 withdrew his appeal for increased rating claims related to multiple conditions, including herniated nucleus pulposus of the cervical spine, fibromyositis, and various nerve-related issues. The Board dismissed these claims as a result.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for muscle and joint pain, to include fibromyalgia, due to a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the March 2024 rating decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher disability rating for fibromyositis and lumbar spine, so the case is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia/fibromyositis, Lyme disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and osteoporosis due to inadequate VA medical opinions that did not comply with the Board's instructions.
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.