The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left shoulder disabilities due to polymyositis with atrophy of the shoulder and arm, as well as weakness of the hamstring muscles and chest atrophies, have been denied.,Higher ratings are not warranted under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on the current medical evidence and regulations in effect during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Polymyositis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 14, 2023
- Citation
- 23039039
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23039039.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Granted
The Veteran's right upper extremity neuropathy due to polymyositis is granted a 40 percent rating since October 12, 2018.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for evaluation of polymyositis conditions due to service, including earlier effective dates. The Veteran's death during the pendency of these claims means that his surviving spouse may be eligible to substitute as a claimant.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Polymyositis and secondary service connection for a mood disorder due to Polymysitis. The Veteran's Polymyositis is related to in-service exposure to environmental toxins while working as a mechanic during his second period of active duty.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's death was caused by diffuse pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, which the Board finds is service-connected due to exposure to silica fibers in service. The claims for accrued benefits based on pending claims for service connection for various conditions are also granted.
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