The veteran's dysthymic disorder is rated at 50% and his TDIU rating due to service-connected disability is effective since February 8, 1996. The right shoulder disability is rated at 30%, the trapezius muscle atrophy at 10%, and the pectoralis muscle atrophy at 0%. These ratings are effective as of their respective dates.
The deciding factor: The veteran's dysthymic disorder has been shown to cause considerable industrial and social impairment, warranting a higher rating than currently assigned. The right shoulder disability is rated based on its functional limitations, including pain and weakness in external rotation. The trapezius muscle atrophy is not considered more severe than moderate severity, while the pectoralis muscle atrophy does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Atrophy of Right Pectoralis Muscle, Atrophy of Right Trapezius Muscle, Dysthymic Disorder, Residuals of Right Acromioclavicular Separation with Resection of the Distal Right Clavicle, Right Anterior Acromioplasty and Rotator Cuff Repair, Right Ulnar Nerve Palsy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- April 14, 2003
- Citation
- 0307133
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,599 · Granted: 37% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0307133.
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 found a pre-decisional duty to assist error and remands the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder(s).
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and dysthymic disorder, are granted as at least as likely as not related to in-service military sexual trauma (MSTs). The claim for a sleep disorder is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder from March 1, 2023 was granted. The effective date remains pending as the earlier effective date request is separate and distinct.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD), dysthymic disorder, adjustment disorder with anxiety, general anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, effective December 12, 2024.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.