The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for a shrapnel wound with retained metallic fragment in the left lower trapezius (shoulder) with scar was denied. The effective date of the increased rating is fixed at July 16, 2008.,For the period from January 24, 2013 to August 30, 2017, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for the shrapnel wound was denied. The effective date of the increased rating is fixed at July 16, 2008.
The deciding factor: The criteria for a higher disability rating were not met or more nearly approximated during the period from July 16, 2008 to January 24, 2013 due to moderate muscle impairment of Muscle Group XX.,For the period from January 24, 2013 to August 30, 2017, the criteria for a higher disability rating were not met or more nearly approximated due to moderately severe muscle impairment of Muscle Group XX.
- Claimed conditions
- shrapnel wound with retained metallic fragment in the left lower trapezius (shoulder) with scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 21, 2019
- Citation
- 19188305
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 19188305.
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
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