The Veteran's left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis is currently rated at 20% and denied an increased rating.,Prior to December 29, 2014, the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was rated at 10%, and after that date it was rated at 20%. Both ratings are denied.
The deciding factor: The range of motion for the left shoulder is in excess of 25 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for ankylosis or limitation of motion to only 25 degrees from the side required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18136323
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 18136323.
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 left shoulder disability has been rated at 20% since December 2020, and the Board has granted a maximum schedular rating of 30% based on limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant medical records, including SSA disability records and Federal prison medical records, and request an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disorder.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as his lumbar spine disorder. The Board found the evidence in balance regarding whether these conditions render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, and the Board finds that his back disability may be related to service. The case is remanded for a VA examination.
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