The Veteran's left shoulder disability, resulting from a shell fragment wound sustained during service, is currently rated at 20 percent and the claim for an increased evaluation has been denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings did not show any severe impairment of muscle groups or limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- shell fragment wound
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19181137
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.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the veteran's moderate disability of Muscle Group III, attributable to his service-connected shell fragment wound, warrants a 20% evaluation.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.