The Veteran's right shoulder degenerative changes with history of bursitis is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 5201. The left shoulder bursitis remains rated at 20 percent prior to October 2, 2012 and 20 percent as of that date.
The deciding factor: The March 2009 and October 2012 VA examinations both indicated that the Veteran's right shoulder had flexion limited to 60 degrees with pain starting at 45 degrees. The examiner noted additional limitation of motion based on repetitive use testing, but no additional loss of range of motion was observed.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Degenerative Changes with History of Bursitis, Left Shoulder Bursitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 24, 2013
- Citation
- 1333454
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 1333454.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he has additional disabilities that meet the criteria for a TDIU. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD.
- Denied
The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent for limitation of motion, and a separate rating of 20 percent for recurrent dislocation of the scapulohumeral joint with frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements. The Board denied an increased rating more than 20 percent.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on housebound criteria is denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria for entitlement to SMC prior to May 23, 2008.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD and shoulder disabilities are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a Correia-compliant examination.
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