The Board found that the veteran's left shoulder disability did not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for more severe ratings.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports and medical records showed no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would justify a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Left Shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 6, 2003
- Citation
- 0303832
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 0303832.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial rating higher than 30 percent for adjustment disorder with depressed mood and remanded the claims for left and right shoulder impingement syndrome.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased initial rating for the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability and remanded claims for increased ratings for bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome.
- Granted
The Veteran's competency is restored, he is granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, and his rating for migraines is increased to 60 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating, and the Board has ordered a remand for further evaluation of his left shoulder impingement syndrome.
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