The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his right shoulder disability and impairment of the clavicle, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent. The TDIU claim was also denied as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone were not found to be disabling enough to preclude substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and other medical records provided no objective findings or clinical data that would warrant higher ratings for either condition, with the exception of some pain and weakness noted. The Board concluded that the evidence did not support a finding of ankylosis or fibrous union, which are required for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Shoulder, Impairment of the Right Clavicle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 9, 2014
- Citation
- 1430876
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1430876.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 50 percent for his right shoulder disability beginning October 28, 2014. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings prior to and after this date are remanded.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected right shoulder disability prior to March 11, 2022 is denied. The claim for TDIU prior to October 17, 2014 is also denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions and a need for additional examinations regarding muscle group injuries and neurological symptoms related to the Veteran's right shoulder disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for further action regarding his claim of entitlement to a TDIU. The Board finds that the evidence does not show he meets the schedular criteria for assignment of a TDIU, including on the basis of disabilities affecting a single body system (orthopedic), during the entire period on appeal.
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