The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The PTSD claim has been granted with an initial rating of 70 percent and effective date of February 18, 2003.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that flexion and abduction were at minimum 30 degrees, meeting the criteria for a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5201. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for an initial rating higher than 70 percent as he does not exhibit total social and occupational impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Left acromioclavicular joint dislocation, Left shoulder strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 9, 2011
- Citation
- 1145043
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1145043.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from April 26, 2018 to April 18, 2021. Service connection for toe fungus and left shoulder condition are granted. Service connection for neck condition is also granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for eligibility for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the criteria for a qualifying total service-connected disability rating or loss of use of lower extremities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC at the A&A rate was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not result in a need for regular aid and attendance.
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