The Veteran's left shoulder tendinitis and right shoulder strain are granted as service-connected. Initial ratings for left and right CTS have been granted, with the right CTS receiving a higher initial rating than the left. The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the knees remains remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence was at least evenly balanced regarding whether the Veteran’s shoulder conditions were caused by service, and thus granted service connection based on the presumption of combat involvement. Initial ratings for CTS were assigned based on the severity of symptoms as described in VA rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Tendinitis, Right Shoulder Strain, Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Right Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18133066
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 18133066.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection and increased rating for his right shoulder disability was denied. The Board found that the earliest claim for service connection was filed on June 3, 2024, and thus no earlier effective date is warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder strain with rotator cuff tendonitis was granted, effective August 19, 2024. The decision is based on the merits of the case and not due to any presumption or new evidence.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service injury.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left shoulder strains, finding that the current ratings of 20% are appropriate based on limited motion in both shoulders.
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