The Veteran's ulnar clawing and nerve palsy and median nerve palsy, status post gunshot wound to muscle group VII, is rated at 80 percent for the entire period on appeal. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from April 1, 2022.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran could benefit from a prosthesis for his left upper extremity due to severe contractures and weakness resulting from the gunshot wound to the upper arm. The Veteran's functional loss in his left arm is consistent throughout the period on appeal, warranting an 80 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Ulnar Clawing and Nerve Palsy and Median Nerve Palsy, Status Post Gunshot Wound to Muscle Group VII, Thoracolumbar Spine Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- December 14, 2022
- Citation
- 22068875
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 22068875.
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
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The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's right and left shoulder rotator cuff disabilities, effective from March 25, 2008 and February 28, 2008 respectively. The thoracolumbar spine disability was also rated at 40 percent, but a temporary total disability rating for convalescence following a January 13, 2016 left shoulder surgery was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
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