The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated at 20 percent since the grant of service connection, but does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations have consistently found mild to moderate visible and palpable atrophy; guarding of movement; instability; limited and painful motion; and infrequent episodes of dislocation (subluxation) of the scapulohumeral joint. These findings do not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, Left arm and shoulder dislocation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 19, 2013
- Citation
- 1330056
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 1330056.
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.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left and right knee, osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, a right shoulder condition, and intervertebral disc disorder of the spine as there is no evidence to support that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the spine, and osteoarthritis of the right shoulder and left shoulder based on evidence showing that these conditions had onset during active military service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right and left shoulders, finding that these conditions are related to in-service injuries.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been submitted since the October 2017 denial, which includes medical treatment records showing a current diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the left shoulder. The Veteran's in-service injury is presumed due to combat service, but further investigation by a VA examiner is needed to determine if the disability is related to service.
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.