The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his right shoulder disability and scar was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate ankylosis, deep or unstable scars, or limitation of function sufficient to warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right shoulder rotator cuff repair, Labral tear, Biceps tendon tear with partial tendinosis and tear of the intra and supraspinatus tendon
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 14, 2018
- Citation
- 1816499
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 1816499.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was incurred in or caused by military service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial evaluations for recurrent left glenohumeral joint subluxation/dislocation, with rotator cuff tendonitis and labral tear have been granted. He received a 10% evaluation from March 11, 2013 to September 7, 2015, a 20% evaluation from September 8, 2015 to July 7, 2021, and is currently denied an evaluation in excess of 20%. The evaluations are based on the Veteran's symptoms and functional limitations.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability, including his labral debridement and subacromial decompression surgery, is related to his service. The evidence supports this finding as it shows a history of shoulder pain during service and post-service treatment for similar symptoms.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder rotator cuff surgery is related to his service, including his Reserve duty in 2006. The evidence supports the Veteran's assertions of a pre-existing injury during training and subsequent aggravation during active duty.
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