The Veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the left shoulder are currently rated as 30 percent disabling, with an additional 20 percent rating for degenerative joint disease. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his gunshot wound scar or separate ratings for his shoulder disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the left deltoid muscle are currently rated as 30 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5303, with an additional 20 percent rating for degenerative joint disease. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of his disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of a gunshot wound to the left deltoid muscle, Degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 13, 2017
- Citation
- 1721570
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 1721570.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder to obtain an addendum opinion that considers the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right hip, left hip, and left shoulder, as well as PTSD. The claim for a higher rating for the right knee scar was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder and a rating in excess of 10 percent for a status post left ankle fracture to obtain additional medical opinions.
- Granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative spondylosis at L5-S1, left and right shoulder disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and depressive disorder.
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