The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for residuals of shrapnel fragments on the left upper back is granted, with a combined rating of 10 percent for both scars.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s scar on his left upper back was found to be painful and stable, allowing for a single 10% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7804. The right forearm scar also warrants a 10% evaluation, resulting in a combined rating of 10%.
- Claimed conditions
- shrapnel fragments, left upper back, scar of the right forearm
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 8, 2019
- Citation
- 19135647
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,963 · Granted: 32% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19135647.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, as he is able to dress and undress himself without assistance.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a concussion, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand, and cervical spine disability. The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent until March 13, 2013, when it was increased to 40 percent. The Board also denied ratings in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy, and denied compensable ratings for his scars and occipital neuralgia.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing and addressing new evidence submitted by the Veteran.
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.