The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including tendonitis and degenerative joint disease at the acromioclavicular joint, is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The VA examination in August 2008 showed limited range of motion with pain and stiffness but no ankylosis or other significant impairment, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Tendonitis, Degenerative Joint Disease at Acromioclavicular Joint
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 2, 2014
- Citation
- 1443909
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 1443909.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was cardiopulmonary arrest due to aspiration, and they have found a duty to assist error in their initial decision. They are now requesting a medical opinion to determine if the service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death.
- Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis is rated at 20 percent from February 6, 2017. The rating for thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome remains at 40 percent prior to September 22, 2025 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as his combined service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right and left hip disabilities, including as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability. The AOJ is required to obtain new medical opinions considering all evidence of record.
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