Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left shoulder disabilities were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent for the right shoulder disability or an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the left shoulder disability.

The deciding factor: The VA examinations and treatment records showed that the Veteran's right shoulder had limitation of motion to shoulder level with pain, while his left shoulder had a range of motion above shoulder level with pain. These findings did not meet the criteria for higher ratings as per the applicable rating criteria (Diagnostic Code 5201).

Claimed conditions
Right Shoulder Post-Acrimoplasty, Left Shoulder Injury with Mild Degenerative Changes in the Left Acromioclavicular Joint and Labrum and Tendinopathy of the Supraspinatus Tendon
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
June 21, 2010
Citation
1023077

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 1023077.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

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.