The May 1981 rating decision is reversed, and the Veteran is granted initial separate ratings for left upper extremity shell fragment wound residuals with Muscle Groups I and IV injury, left hand shell fragment wound residuals with Muscle Group IX injury, and lumbar area shell fragment wound residuals.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed multiple penetrating shrapnel wounds resulting in injuries to muscle groups and the lumbar spine, which warranted separate ratings under appropriate diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple penetrating shell fragment wounds, Left fourth metacarpal fracture, Recurrent low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- November 3, 2020
- Citation
- A20016383
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 A20016383.
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 has ordered a remand to clarify the relationship between the Veteran's current low back condition and his service, including whether it was aggravated by service. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's current low back condition is related to his in-service leg length discrepancy.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of fracture of the 4th metacarpal, left hand was denied due to his failure to report for necessary VA examinations.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his low back disability was granted, but he is still seeking an increased rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for the residuals of his left fourth metacarpal fracture was granted, but he is not entitled to any additional compensation based on the current evidence. The VA has determined that the disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
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