The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability has been shown to be productive of complaints of pain and some limitation of motion, but not ankylosis of the scapulohumeral articulation, limitation of left arm motion to 25 degrees from the side, a fibrous union of the left humerus, or more than a moderate muscle disability. The criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of ankylosis and limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- gunshot wound injury, traumatic arthritis, Muscle Group I impairment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 12, 2012
- Citation
- 1220542
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 1220542.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for service-connected right ankle with traumatic arthritis (claimed as right ankle instability). The Board dismissed the appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating higher than 20% for his left shoulder disability, stating that the evidence did not support a higher rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's left hip disability is currently rated noncompensable due to painful motion but not showing flexion limited to 45 degrees or less. The Board has remanded the claims for GERD and a right hip disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and further development is required. The Veteran's left wrist disability remains service-connected, but a compensable rating for the fracture is not granted. The issue of TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the rating claim.
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.