The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran is entitled to a higher disability rating of 20 percent for his right shoulder rotator cuff tear, but denied all other claims.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran had limited motion in his right shoulder due to pain and stiffness, warranting a 20 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5201. The other conditions were not supported by sufficient evidence for increased ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic back strain with degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine and associated sacroiliitis, right shoulder rotator cuff tear, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with major depression, chronic blepharitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 5, 2009
- Citation
- 0916680
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 0916680.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for right knee strain, left shoulder rotator cuff tear, and right shoulder rotator cuff tear due to inadequate medical opinions in the November 2020 rating decision. The VA is required to obtain an addendum opinion from a clinician to determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal to receive a higher rating for his service-connected chronic blepharitis was dismissed because the Veteran requested withdrawal of the claim during his hearing.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right shoulder rotator cuff tear has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not result in his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 19, 2019. The Board denied an earlier effective date for the TDIU.
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