The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder gunshot wound residuals and limitation of motion, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss due to pain or flare-ups.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show any signs of severe muscle disability such as muscles swelling or hardening abnormally, nor did it indicate tests of strength, endurance, or coordinated movements indicating severe impairment compared to the uninjured side. The Veteran's range of motion was at most limited to midway between his side and shoulder level.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Gunshot Wound Residuals, Left Shoulder Limitation of Motion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 18, 2017
- Citation
- 1717227
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 1717227.
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 appeals for higher initial ratings on his left shoulder and knee disabilities have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of higher initial ratings for limitation of flexion, extension, and instability of the left knee.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 20 percent for his right and left shoulder disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion.
- Granted
The Board has granted increased ratings for right and left shoulder disabilities, but denied claims for higher evaluations based on recurrent dislocations. The Veteran's service connection remains intact.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% rating. The Veteran also meets the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.
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