The Veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings for service-connected left elbow epicondylitis and left shoulder tendonitis were denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find additional limitations of motion due to pain, fatigue, or weakness, and the Veteran's range of motion was essentially normal with no additional limitation found even with repetitive testing.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Elbow Epicondylitis, Left Shoulder Tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 4, 2014
- Citation
- 1453434
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 1453434.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but no higher, and dismissed the veteran's appeals for increased ratings of other service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevents her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and she has met the threshold minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU. Additionally, she is entitled to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.
- Denied
The Board found no evidence of a chronic left shoulder condition in service or within the presumptive period, and concluded that the current left shoulder tendonitis with arthritis is not related to any incident during service. The Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.
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