The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes degenerative arthritis and residual scars from rotator cuff surgery, does not warrant a higher rating than 20 percent. The evidence shows pain, reduced range of motion, popping, non-painful linear scarring, and loss of function in the left shoulder. However, there is no evidence showing limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side or unstable/painful scars.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not show that the Veteran's range of motion was limited to 25 degrees from the side or that he had unstable or painful scars during the period at issue, which are required for a higher rating under DCs 5201 and 7804.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Left Shoulder, Residual Scars from Rotator Cuff Surgery
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 20, 2018
- Citation
- 1810956
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 1810956.
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 service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and TDIU is granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
Service connection for PTSD is granted. Increased ratings are granted for IVDS with degenerative arthritis and vertebral fracture with bilateral thoracic radiculopathy of the ventral and dorsal ramus nerves, right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and left ankle pilon fracture residuals.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, and the Board found that his competency determination did not warrant a higher rating. The appeals for service connection of right shoulder, left shoulder, and lumbar spine disabilities were remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.
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