Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10 percent evaluation for residuals of shell fragment wound to the occipital region of the skull is denied as there was no medical evidence or informal communication noting any treatment for this condition between the last final decision and the April 2008 claim.

The deciding factor: The effective date cannot be earlier than April 10, 2008 because there was no indication of a desire to seek an increased rating for residuals of shell fragment wound to the occipital region of the skull prior to this date.

Claimed conditions
shell fragment wound to the occipital region of the skull
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
10%
Decision date
August 27, 2010
Citation
1032339

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 1032339.

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.

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.