The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his injury to thoracic muscles with resection of the fourth rib was denied. The Board found that a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes is not warranted, as he currently receives the maximum allowable rating (20%). The issue of entitlement to compensation for osteoarthritits of the left shoulder, neck, and thoracic joint (chest and ribs), claimed as secondary to his service-connected injury to the thoracic muscles with resection of 4th rib under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is addressed in this REMAND portion.
The deciding factor: The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation was denied because he currently receives the maximum allowable rating (20%) for his service-connected injury to thoracic muscles with resection of the fourth rib, and no higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes is warranted. The issue of entitlement to compensation on a secondary basis will be addressed in this REMAND portion.
- Claimed conditions
- injury to thoracic muscles (MG XXI) with resection of 4th rib, osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, neck, and thoracic joint (chest and ribs)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 14, 2006
- Citation
- 0620368
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 0620368.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no substitute has been filed within the required timeframe.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was dismissed due to a late filing.
- Dismissed
The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the untimely filing of the Board Appeal request.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
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