The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by chronic muscular strain, rotator cuff impingement, tendonitis, and moderate frozen shoulder syndrome with degenerative arthritis and a rotator cuff tear, is currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 5201. This rating reflects the limitation of motion to less than 25 degrees from the side.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left shoulder disability resulted in limited range of motion (flexion up to 70 degrees, abduction up to 40 degrees) with painful motion throughout all movements, which is consistent with a 30 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5201 for limitation of motion of the minor arm.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Muscular Strain of the Left Deltoid Muscle, Rotator Cuff Impingement, Tendonitis, Moderate Frozen Shoulder Syndrome with Degenerative Arthritis and Rotator Cuff Tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- August 11, 2011
- Citation
- 1129746
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 1129746.
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 Veteran's right ankle disability, including instability and tendonitis, is rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of marked limited motion or other significant impairment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board will provide the Veteran with another VA examination to assess the severity and manifestations of his service-connected right shoulder impingement syndrome, bicipital tendonitis, rotator cuff tear, tendonitis, and degenerative arthritis.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The issue of an increased disability rating for his right ankle condition is remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee disabilities have been rated based on the severity of his symptoms, including pain and instability. The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to make a determination regarding the appropriate disability ratings for these conditions.
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.