The Board denied increased ratings for various shell fragment wound residuals, finding the evidence did not support a higher disability rating.

The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's muscle injuries and scars were more consistent with moderate or moderately severe injuries, rather than severe injuries required for higher ratings.

Claimed conditions

Shell fragment wound (SFW) of the left upper lateral arm, Shell fragment wound of the left forearm, elbow, and hypothenar eminence, Shell fragment wound right medial thigh, upper and lower popliteal fossa, Shell fragment wound left anterior and lateral thigh, and left hip, Painful superficial scars for the period from June 7, 2016, Superficial and nonlinear SFW scars, Other (including linear) shell fragment wound scars

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 24, 2025

Citation

25002667

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine