The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling due to infrequent recurrent dislocation of the scapulohumeral joint. The left shoulder disability was previously rated at 30 percent prior to September 2, 2010 and 40 percent since then. The rating for scarring of the left shoulder is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated based on recurrent dislocation of the scapulohumeral joint, which warrants a 20% rating under Diagnostic Code 5202. For his left shoulder, the current rating of 40% is the highest possible under Diagnostic Code 5200 for unfavorable ankylosis with abduction limited to 25 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Dislocation with Infection and Debridement, Right Shoulder Dislocation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 29, 2018
- Citation
- 1805641
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1805641.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder disability, which is not service-connected, has been granted a 30 percent rating. The condition is characterized by pain and limited motion to 45 degrees of flexion and abduction.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and lack of treatment records, requiring further evaluation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right shoulder dislocation and left shoulder dislocation due to a lack of a VA examination and medical opinion in connection with these claims.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to effective dates and ratings for right shoulder disability. The Veteran's service connection claims are pending, but specific rating decisions remain unresolved.
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