The veteran's claims for increased evaluation, service connection for nerve damage of the left shoulder, and service connection for a mental disorder were denied. The Board found that his current disability did not warrant an increase in rating beyond 20 percent, and that he did not have any new or material evidence to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for a mental disorder.
The deciding factor: The veteran's left shoulder injury residuals included humeral head deformity and arthritis with resulting functional loss due to pain. The VA examinations showed no nerve damage of the left shoulder, and there was no evidence that his current mood disorder was related to service or his service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder injury residuals, claimed nerve damage of the left shoulder, claimed mental disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 21, 2002
- Citation
- 0216863
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 0216863.
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 musculoskeletal disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, as he has maintained substantial income from previous employment and his current education and work history suggest he can perform sedentary or semi-sedentary work.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all claims related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including those for increased ratings and earlier effective dates. The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's left shoulder injury residuals are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.,Spousal aid and attendance compensation claim is denied due to the absence of a 30% or higher disability rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for his shoulder, neck, and back disabilities need further development to determine their etiology. The Veteran is also required to provide additional information regarding his respiratory disorder.
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