The Board has granted higher initial evaluations of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected right rotator cuff tear with impingement and left fibula fracture, effective from August 18, 2000. The back scar remains rated as noncompensably disabling.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the veteran had significant functional impairment in his right shoulder due to pain on motion, which resulted in limitation of motion at a level more severe than what would be expected with a nonunion or malunion of the clavicle or scapula. The left fibula fracture residuals were found to have mild symptoms during cold weather but no current functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Rotator cuff tear, Left fibula fracture, Back scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 20, 2003
- Citation
- 0309345
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,055 · Granted: 31% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0309345.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the claim for a higher rating is denied. The left shoulder disability is also rated at 20 percent, but there are no incapacitating episodes to warrant a higher rating under the IVDS Formula. The TDIU claim is remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board will provide the Veteran with another VA examination to assess the severity and manifestations of his service-connected right shoulder impingement syndrome, bicipital tendonitis, rotator cuff tear, tendonitis, and degenerative arthritis.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which was granted for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors and a need for an adequate examination.
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