The veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the service-connected rotator cuff degeneration of the left shoulder (minor) was denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examination and treatment records showed limited motion, weakness, and reduced strength of the left shoulder muscles, but no evidence of fibrous union or nonunion of the humerus, loss of head or flail shoulder of the humerus, or functional limitation of the left arm to 25 degrees or less from the side due to pain.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 1, 2003
- Citation
- 0318651
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 0318651.
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.
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- Partly granted
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- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions of the left and right hands, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, and foot, but granted service connection for a right knee disability and fibromyalgia. The decision was based on medical evidence that did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and a left shoulder disability as the evidence did not support that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA.
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