The veteran's initial evaluation for his service-connected left shoulder disability is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows severe functional disability of Muscle Group IV in the left, nondominant shoulder but no impairment that would warrant an increased rating beyond 20 percent under applicable VA rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- rotator cuff tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 22, 2006
- Citation
- 0605104
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, including bicipital tendon tear, rotator cuff tear, and tendinosis, as there was no evidence of an in-service injury or chronicity of symptoms to support a direct link between the current condition and active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal to the agency of original jurisdiction for a medical opinion on the nature and etiology of any right shoulder disorder.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's right shoulder disability, which is the maximum schedular rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether it is related to his service-connected left shoulder disability.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.