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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 14, 2003
- Citation
- 0307133
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,599 · Granted: 37% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0307133.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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).
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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