The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under DC 5203. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support ankylosis or other criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- acromioclavicular separation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 3, 2009
- Citation
- 0941857
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0941857.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation and a prior effective date for his left shoulder disability were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional separate ratings, and determined that the current 20 percent rating was appropriate given the Veteran's range of motion limitations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that further action is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability due to a possible increase in his condition. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has vacated the November 6, 2007 decision denying an increased rating for residuals of acromioclavicular separation of the left shoulder. The current disability rating remains at 20 percent.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The veteran has withdrawn his claim for an increased initial rating for acromioclavicular separation of the left shoulder, and thus the appeal is dismissed.
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