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Denied

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by chronic muscular strain of the trapezius and acromioclavicular joint bursitis, has been rated at 20 percent disabling. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on functional loss or limitation of motion.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion was within normal limits with pain starting around shoulder level, and there were no findings indicating significant impairment such as ankylosis, recurrent dislocation, or malunion. The Board considered the impact of flare-ups but found that they did not equate to limitation of motion at a specific point.

Claimed conditions
Chronic Muscular Strain of the Left Trapezius, Acromioclavicular Joint Bursitis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
October 3, 2013
Citation
1331821

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 1331821.

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