The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right thigh result in subjective complaints of pain but do not meet the criteria for an initial rating greater than 40 percent. The scar associated with his service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right thigh is well-healed and does not cause limited motion or exceed 12 square inches.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the Veteran's disability does not meet the criteria for an initial rating greater than 40 percent under the applicable diagnostic codes, as there are no objective findings of more severe muscle injury or skin breakdown.
- 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
- May 11, 2012
- Citation
- 1217083
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1217083.
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.