The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, involving muscle groups I, II, and IV, are rated at 10 percent. This rating is effective from December 28, 2003.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran had sustained damage to muscle group I (trapezius, levator scapulae, serratus magnus), muscle group II (rhomboid) and muscle group IV (supraspinatus). These injuries were rated as severe based on their severity and anatomical location.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of gunshot wound to the left (minor) shoulder, Left shoulder rotator cuff tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 7, 2011
- Citation
- 1108987
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 1108987.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder rotator cuff tear, lumbar spondylosis with spinal stenosis, and right lower extremity (RLE) radiculopathy involving the femoral nerve.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 15, 2020 for the grant of increased disability ratings were denied.,The Board found that the earliest date entitlement arose was January 15, 2020, and thus the effective dates established by the April 2020 rating decision are correct.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's right ankle disability is not service-connected, and has remanded the left shoulder disability for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that further development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to VA treatment, including obtaining additional records and an independent medical expert opinion.
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.