The Board granted service connection for fibromyalgia, thoracic spine disorder (to include thoracic outlet syndrome), and residuals of a fracture of the left clavicle with impingement as secondary to the veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities. The rating for right shoulder disability was increased from 20% to 30%, and the initial rating for bullous emphysema was increased to 60%. A temporary total disability evaluation for convalescence under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 beyond October 31, 1992, was granted.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's fibromyalgia, thoracic spine disorder (to include thoracic outlet syndrome), and residuals of a fracture of the left clavicle with impingement were secondary to his bilateral shoulder disabilities. The right shoulder disability was increased based on additional evidence showing more severe symptoms, and the initial rating for bullous emphysema was increased due to new medical findings.
- Claimed conditions
- fibromyalgia, thoracic spine disorder (to include thoracic outlet syndrome), right shoulder disability, residuals of a fracture of the left clavicle with impingement, bullous emphysema
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 3, 2004
- Citation
- 0414289
Veterans Law Judge
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 0414289.
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 Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines was reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for painful scars, but the rating assigned remains at 10 percent. The claims for fibromyalgia and bilateral shoulder disability are denied.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, fibromyalgia, and vertigo. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.
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