The veteran's residuals of GSWs to the left thigh and left buttock are considered no more disabling than a moderately severe injury for Muscle Group XIII and a moderate injury for Muscle Group XVII, with a separate 20 percent disability evaluation assigned for four painful scars.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the veteran's residuals of GSWs to the left thigh and left buttock are more disabling than a moderately severe or moderate injury, respectively. The presence of four painful scars warrants a separate rating under Diagnostic Code 7804.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of a gunshot wound (GSW) to the left thigh, involving Muscle Group XIII, Residuals of a GSW to the left buttock, involving Muscle Group XVII, Four painful scars, including entry and exit wounds to the left thigh and left buttock
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 21, 2009
- Citation
- 0902178
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.