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
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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran was not in receipt of a totally disabling service-connected disability for the required period, and therefore, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of PTSD, dysthymic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder as there is no credible evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressor.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders.
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