The veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability warrants a 20 percent rating from June 1, 1996 through April 1, 1997. From June 1, 1997, the criteria for a greater initial rating are not met. The veteran's avascular necrosis of the hips is rated as 10 percent disabling since June 1, 1996. Patellofemoral syndrome and tinea versicolor do not warrant compensable ratings.

The deciding factor: The veteran's right shoulder disability has been evaluated based on limitation of motion at or above shoulder level, which warrants a 20 percent rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The criteria for a greater initial rating are not met as there is no evidence of limitation below shoulder level. The avascular necrosis of the hips is rated based on its analogous condition (bursitis) and has been evaluated at 10 percent since June 1, 1996.

Claimed conditions

Avascular necrosis of the left hip, Avascular necrosis of the right hip, Patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, Patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, Postoperative residuals of a rotator cuff repair of the right shoulder, Tinea versicolor

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

February 4, 2003

Citation

0302157

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 0302157.