The Veteran's left shoulder injury with acromioclavicular arthritis and thoracic outlet syndrome is rated at 20 percent, while a separate 10 percent rating is granted for the neurological symptoms affecting his left upper extremity.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the Veteran’s service-connected left shoulder disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating based on limitation of motion. However, he was awarded an additional 10 percent rating for the neurological deficit as it is considered a manifestation of his thoracic outlet syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Left shoulder acromioclavicular arthritis, Thoracic outlet syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 23, 2018
- Citation
- 18128892
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 18128892.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a higher level of SMC at the intermediary level N1/2 from October 20, 2020 to June 7, 2022. This decision resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Granted
The Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome is rated at 40 percent effective June 9, 2023. The condition has more nearly approximated moderately severe incomplete paralysis.
- Granted
The Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome with intermittent bilateral upper extremity numbness is granted as service connected. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims due to new evidence received after the June 2020 Supplemental Statement of the Case.
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