The veteran's left shoulder disability, rated as 20 percent disabling, was denied a higher rating due to the limitation of motion not meeting criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The range of motion of the veteran's left shoulder has been limited to 140 degrees with pain beginning at 90 degrees, which does not warrant a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5201. The evidence does not show that the limitation of motion has ever been limited to midway between side and shoulder level.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 23, 2009
- Citation
- 0902516
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including various musculoskeletal conditions and mental health disorders.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, service connection for left chronic cervical radiculopathy (secondary to service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder), and service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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