The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left shoulder, wrist, and acne scars all had flexion and abduction measurements exceeding 90 degrees, which precluded a higher rating based on range of motion. The Veteran also did not demonstrate ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, Left Wrist Degenerative Arthritis, Acne Vulgaris with Residual Facial Scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 7, 2018
- Citation
- 1828423
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 1828423.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC), Left Wrist Degenerative Arthritis, and Bilateral Hearing Loss are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the current severity of his conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial rating higher than 30 percent for adjustment disorder with depressed mood and remanded the claims for left and right shoulder impingement syndrome.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased initial rating for the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability and remanded claims for increased ratings for bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome.
- Granted
The Veteran's competency is restored, he is granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, and his rating for migraines is increased to 60 percent.
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