The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disabilities have not been rated higher than the currently assigned 20 percent evaluations.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings did not demonstrate motion limited to 25 degrees from the side for either condition, which is required for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Rotator Cuff Syndrome, AC Joint Separation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 31, 2014
- Citation
- 1434273
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 1434273.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment, leading the Board to grant his claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent effective September 17, 2012. The Board denied a higher rating and found no basis for an earlier effective date.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent effective March 22, 2010. The appeal for a higher rating remains denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that further development is required due to missing treatment records and a need for a VA examination. The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including osteoarthritis and rotator cuff syndrome, will be evaluated based on the available evidence.
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