The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the service-connected residuals of a dislocated right shoulder, effective September 14, 2000. The initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee prior to September 14, 2000 is denied. An increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee subsequent to September 14, 2000 is also denied. The claim for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a neuroma of the right foot with arthralgia of the second, third, and fourth metatarsophalangeal joints remains pending.

The deciding factor: The clinical evidence demonstrated frequent spontaneous dislocations of the right shoulder, pain, and moderate functional impairment equivalent to frequent right shoulder dislocations with guarding at shoulder level. The appellant's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the right knee was manifested by pain and limited motion prior to September 14, 2000, but subsequent to that date, it was characterized by pain and less severe limitation of motion.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Knee (prior to September 14, 2000), Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Knee (subsequent to September 14, 2000), Dislocated Right Shoulder, Postoperative Residuals of a Neuroma of the Right Foot

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

30%

Decision date

March 5, 2003

Citation

0303788

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 0303788.