The Board denied a higher initial evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating prior to December 16, 2014 and since then.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed limited motion but no ankylosis or fibrous union, which precluded a higher evaluation under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 5, 2017
- Citation
- 1755995
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 1755995.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, left shoulder arthritis, right ankle and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational history.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, left knee, and right knee due to inadequate VA examinations in August 2020 and January 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right shoulder, and left shoulder due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, finding that it is etiologically related to an in-service injury during military service.
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