The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his left shoulder disability was denied. The current rating of 20 percent is maintained as the evidence does not show that the Veteran's shoulder motion has been limited to a level warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate that the Veteran's shoulder motion had been limited at or below the level required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- Back disability, Left shoulder rotator cuff tear and acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease, Scar of the left posterior ilium, status post incisional biopsy of benign fibrous histiocytoma, Left wrist disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 30, 2018
- Citation
- 1818979
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 1818979.
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
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- Granted
The Veteran's rating for residuals status post lumbar fusion was reduced from 40 percent to 20 percent effective October 25, 2023. The reduction was granted as there was no evidence of actual improvement in the Veteran's condition prior to this date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors and the need for a VA examination.
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