For the period from November 20, 2002 to March 5, 2009, the Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated as 20 percent disabling. As of March 6, 2009, it was increased to 30 percent.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated at 20 percent since November 20, 2002 and increased to 50 percent effective March 6, 2009.
The deciding factor: The VA examination report dated in March 2009 showed that the Veteran's right shoulder had abduction to no less than 70 degrees and flexion to no less than 75 degrees. The examiner stated that the Veteran did not have limitation of motion midway between the side and shoulder level, or to 25 degrees from the side.,The March 2009 VA examination report showed that the Veteran's right shoulder had abduction to no less than 80 degrees and flexion to no less than 140 degrees. The examiner stated that the Veteran did not have ankylosis of the scapulohumeral articulation, nor a fibrous union of the major humerus.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Disability, Left Shoulder Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 18, 2012
- Citation
- 1201863
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 1201863.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded. The claim for sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea) remains denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date before April 1, 2018 for a 20% rating for left shoulder disability was denied. The appeal also resulted in the assignment of a 20% rating from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018, and a TDIU granted from April 1, 2018 to September 3, 2025.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding insufficient evidence to establish an in-service event or injury related to his shoulders. The Veteran's current shoulder conditions are not linked to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder disability, low back condition, bilateral knee disabilities, and left shoulder strain have been granted service connection. The Veteran's low back condition has been increased to a 40 percent evaluation, while the bilateral knee conditions remain at their current 10 percent evaluations.
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