The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records showed that the veteran had moderate muscle injury of Muscle Group I, but no other severe or moderately severe injuries. The right shoulder motion was limited to midway between side and shoulder level, which is within the range considered 'moderate' by VA rating criteria. For the right median nerve neuropathy, mild incomplete paralysis with subjective complaints met the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- status post right thoracotomy with limitation of motion of the right shoulder, right medial nerve neuropathy associated with status post right thoracotomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 21, 2006
- Citation
- 0611606
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 0611606.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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