The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected gunshot wound to the left upper extremity was granted, with a maximum rating of 20 percent prior to December 10, 2012, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. A separate evaluation of 10 percent was assigned for mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left elbow/arm disability resulted in limited extension (90 degrees) and pronation with motion lost beyond the last quarter of the arc, warranting a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Codes 5207 and 5213 respectively. The separate evaluation for ulnar neuropathy was also granted.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of a gunshot wound to the left upper extremity with paresthesia, weakness, and limitation in extension of the left elbow and forearm, Left ulnar neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 1, 2018
- Citation
- 1806732
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 1806732.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the appeal for further development, including obtaining an adequate medical opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and ulnar neuropathy.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the increased ratings of PTSD, DJD lumbar spine, and left ulnar neuropathy back to March 1, 2018.
- Denied
The Board has determined that there is no separate disability characterized as incomplete paralysis of the radial nerve, and thus denies a separate rating for this condition. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound criteria. The Veteran was granted a combined rating of 80 percent for his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease rated at 100 percent, which alone qualifies him for TDIU.
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