The Veteran's shell fragment wound scars on the popliteal area of the right lower leg have been rated as noncompensable since November 1989. The Board found that his current condition does not warrant a compensable rating based on the superficial nature and linear configuration of the scars, which do not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's shell fragment wound scars are rated as noncompensable due to their superficial nature and lack of instability or pain. The combined area of the two scars is less than 929 square centimeters, which precludes a rating under DC 7802. Additionally, they do not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation based on other applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wound scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 18, 2012
- Citation
- 1243346
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 1243346.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Hays Medical Center on June 18, 2013 were not reimbursable as the treatment was not rendered in a medical emergency and VA facilities were readily available.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and psychotic disorder, cervical spine disability, low back disability, tinnitus, shell fragment wound scars, hemorrhoids, and left ear hearing loss, result in painful, limited motion that impairs his ability to perform employment of both a physical and sedentary nature. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine his eligibility for specially adapted housing.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and shell fragment wound scars do not make him unable to care for his daily needs without regular aid and assistance from another person, thus the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.
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.