The Veteran's initial and subsequent ratings for his left shoulder disability have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s range of motion was limited to less than 25 degrees in both flexion and abduction, which met the criteria for a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5201. However, there is no evidence of fibrous union or ankylosis that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the left shoulder, Recurrent shoulder dislocations
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18119621
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 18119621.
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 Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection and has determined that he is entitled to service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine with bilateral IVDS, left shoulder arthritis, and right shoulder arthritis. The decision resolves all doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and arthritis of the left shoulder, finding that these conditions were aggravated by active duty service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded four issues: increased ratings for trapezius muscle injury and left upper extremity radiculopathy, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for arthritis of the left shoulder. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities and their etiology.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of various joints, all secondary to his service-connected psoriasis. The appeals are remanded for further development regarding an increased rating for psoriasis.
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