The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated at 60 percent since August 27, 2015. The Board found that the evidence was at least evenly balanced as to whether his symptoms more nearly approximated limitation of motion of the arm to 25 degrees from side prior to June 12, 2014 and granted a 40 percent rating for this period. From August 1, 2015 to August 26, 2015, the evidence was at least evenly balanced as to whether his symptoms more nearly approximated chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness. The Board found that from August 27, 2015, his symptoms have been evaluated at 60 percent, the highest available rating beyond the one year following the implantation of the prosthesis under the applicable diagnostic code.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left shoulder disability has resulted in limitation of motion to a degree that warrants a higher rating than what was initially assigned. The Board considered all relevant evidence and found it at least evenly balanced as to whether his symptoms more nearly approximated the criteria for higher ratings, warranting an initial rating of 40 percent prior to June 12, 2014 and 60 percent from August 27, 2015.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Arthroplasty
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- October 5, 2017
- Citation
- 1744386
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 1744386.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his left shoulder arthroplasty is denied as the evidence does not show that he has chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in this affected extremity.
- Granted
The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, is granted an increased rating of 30 percent from November 29, 2017 to June 11, 2018. From August 1, 2019 to April 1, 2020, the Veteran's disability is rated at 50 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's left shoulder disability, following a hemiarthroplasty in May 2011, is currently rated at 50 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's left shoulder, which had undergone arthroplasty, was not characterized by nonunion of the clavicle or scapula with loose movement. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5203.
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