The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of shrapnel wounds to the right hand was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for scars right hand residual of shrapnel wounds was denied.,The issue of service connection for keratoacanthoma of right hand, previously claimed as rash on hand and a skin disability of the right upper extremity, to include residuals of skin cancer and/or jungle rot, is dismissed as moot.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's residuals of shrapnel wounds to the right hand more nearly approximated a gap of more than two inches (5.1 cm) between the thumb pad and the fingers with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5228.,The evidence did not show that the Veteran's scars right hand residual of shrapnel wounds covered an area or areas of at least 144 square inches (929 square cm), which would warrant a separate rating under Diagnostic Code 7802. The underlying tissue damage was noted but not sufficient to meet the criteria for other diagnostic codes.,The issue of service connection for keratoacanthoma of right hand is moot due to the November 2023 rating decision granting service connection and a noncompensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of shrapnel wounds to the right hand, keratoacanthoma of right hand
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 10, 2024
- Citation
- A24054294
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 A24054294.
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