The Veteran's initial claims for higher ratings for shrapnel wounds and scars have been denied. The lower extremity muscle disabilities are rated as 10% each, while the upper lip scar is rated at 0%. The scars causing limitation of function of the knee are also rated as 10%.,The Veteran's service-connected shrapnel wounds have not met criteria for higher ratings under DCs 5311 and 5312. However, separate 10% ratings were assigned for each leg based on muscle Group XI disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected shrapnel wounds do not meet the criteria for more severe disability classifications (severe or moderately severe) under DCs 5311 and 5312. The scars causing limitation of function of the knee are rated as 10% based on their impact on joint motion.
- Claimed conditions
- shrapnel wounds, below knee right leg, shrapnel wounds, below knee left leg, shrapnel wounds, left thigh, shrapnel wounds, right thigh, scar, upper lip, residual of shrapnel wound, painful scar, medial to upper left knee, residual of shrapnel wound, scar, left calf, residual of shrapnel wound, scars, lower extremities (left and right)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2016
- Citation
- 1610889
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 1610889.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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