The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and a separate rating of 20 percent for instability has been granted.,For the left shoulder, a 30 percent rating remains in effect, with a separate rating of 20 percent for instability also being granted.
The deciding factor: The March 2012 VA examination showed limited motion in both shoulders, but did not demonstrate ankylosis or impairment to the clavicle or scapula. The Veteran's right shoulder was found to have a limitation of flexion and abduction to approximately 80 degrees at worst, which is considered a limitation to the shoulder level.,The left shoulder showed a limitation of motion to approximately 45 degrees (midway between side and shoulder level), resulting in a separate rating of 20 percent for instability.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Disability, Left Shoulder Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 14, 2016
- Citation
- 1610147
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 1610147.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded. The claim for sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea) remains denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date before April 1, 2018 for a 20% rating for left shoulder disability was denied. The appeal also resulted in the assignment of a 20% rating from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018, and a TDIU granted from April 1, 2018 to September 3, 2025.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding insufficient evidence to establish an in-service event or injury related to his shoulders. The Veteran's current shoulder conditions are not linked to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder disability, low back condition, bilateral knee disabilities, and left shoulder strain have been granted service connection. The Veteran's low back condition has been increased to a 40 percent evaluation, while the bilateral knee conditions remain at their current 10 percent evaluations.
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