The Veteran's right shoulder disability, which was noted as pre-existing at enlistment and initially assessed with partial atrophy but good strength, is presumed to have been aggravated by service. The Board finds that the evidence does not clearly and unmistakably show that the aggravation was due to the natural progression of the disease.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right shoulder disability was noted as pre-existing at enlistment and initially assessed with partial atrophy but good strength. Service treatment records indicate an increase in atrophy and disability after entrance to service, prompting a discharge from active duty. The April 2017 expert opinion suggests that forceful use of muscles could cause permanent alteration in the course of polio without injury, supporting the presumption of aggravation.
- Claimed conditions
- right shoulder degenerative joint disease with atrophy
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 29, 2018
- Citation
- 1818663
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 1818663.
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
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- Remanded (sent back)
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