The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent prior to December 9, 2011 and from April 1, 2012 to August 5, 2014. As of August 5, 2014, the rating was increased to 40 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 5, 2014 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular requirements for such a determination.,A TDIU on an extraschedular basis is granted as of August 5, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right shoulder disability does not more closely approximate a higher rating under applicable Diagnostic Codes due to the presence of pain and functional loss. The evidence did not show impairment to the clavicle or scapula, nor ankylosis.,Prior to August 5, 2014, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (right shoulder dislocation, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and cervical radiculopathy) did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. The claim was submitted on an extraschedular basis.,As of August 5, 2014, the Veteran's right shoulder disability most accurately reflects the criteria for a 40 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Dislocation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 22, 2018
- Citation
- 18104577
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 18104577.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and lack of treatment records, requiring further evaluation.
- 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.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.