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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1816499.
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 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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