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 assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 20, 2003
- Citation
- 0309345
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 0309345.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 compensable disability rating for the Veteran's back scar and remanded issues related to increased ratings for lumbar spine, left knee, and radiculopathy disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to need regular aid and attendance, granting special monthly compensation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person to afford the Veteran a VA examination.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement within one year after notification of the May 2022 and September 2023 rating decisions.
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