The appeal regarding the effective date for service connection for muscle injuries and leg length shortening is dismissed. The February 1971 rating decision is revised to assign separate disability ratings for severe muscle damage to muscle groups XIV, XV, and XIII, as well as a 30 percent rating for severe muscle damage to muscle group XV.
The deciding factor: The evidence of record at the time of the February 1971 rating decision clearly demonstrated that the Veteran had severe muscle injuries to muscle groups XIV, XV, and XIII. However, there was conflicting evidence regarding the extent of his leg shortening, leading to a denial of the separate disability rating for left leg shortening.
- Claimed conditions
- Muscle damage, Leg shortening
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 10, 2023
- Citation
- A23027943
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 A23027943.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right leg injury was denied because the July 1976 RO decision is final and no new and material evidence has been received since then.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disorder, bilateral leg disorder (DJD of knees), muscle damage, and nerve damage. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for muscle damage to Muscle Group XIX and lumbosacral strain, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for multiple superficial retained shell fragments, involving various body parts, is being remanded to the RO for additional development.
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