The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied as the evidence did not show left arm motion limited to 25 degrees from side or severe incomplete paralysis of the twelfth cranial nerve, and there was no evidence of bilateral upper extremity neuropathy manifested within one year following discharge from service.
The deciding factor: The objective evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is more than 20 percent disabling as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion. The vallecular growth, right side of throat, with tonsillectomy and right styloidectomy was also denied as there was no evidence of severe incomplete paralysis of the twelfth cranial nerve or pre-malignant changes.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Residuals of Injury with Degenerative Joint Disease, Vallecular Growth, Right Side of Throat, With Tonsillectomy and Right Styloidectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 11, 2010
- Citation
- 1001457
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 1001457.
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
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