The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left shoulder rotator cuff syndrome and the extension of a temporary total rating beyond October 31, 2010 based on postoperative convalescence were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of more than 20% disability for the shoulder at any time during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence showed forward flexion and abduction to be at least 80 degrees, which is greater than the 45 degrees required for a higher rating based on orthopedic manifestations. The Veteran's testimony regarding functional impairment was not supported by objective findings in the record.
- Claimed conditions
- Left shoulder rotator cuff syndrome, Left posterior branch axillary nerve traction injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2017
- Citation
- 1708535
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 1708535.
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 Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left ulnar nerve compression, right and left wrist tendinitis, and left shoulder rotator cuff syndrome. The current ratings of 30 percent for left ulnar nerve compression and 10 percent each for right and left wrist tendinitis are maintained.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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