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 assigned
- 20%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1810956.
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 render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and TDIU is granted.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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