The VA denied increased ratings for impingement syndrome of the right and left shoulders, currently rated as 10 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The veteran's shoulder conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5203 due to limitation of motion on flexion and abduction to 160 degrees, beyond that causing pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Impingement syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 24, 2002
- Citation
- 0205055
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0205055.
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: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment due to his right shoulder strain, impingement syndrome, and rotator cuff tendonitis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the appeal for service connection of degenerative joint disease and impingement syndrome affecting both upper extremities due to potential synergistic effects from various exposures, including radiation, asbestos, and chemicals.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was incurred in or caused by military service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by impingement syndrome, was found to not warrant a higher than 20 percent rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
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