The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes adhesive capsulitis and degenerative osteoarthritis, has been rated at 20 percent. The Board denied an increased rating as the evidence does not show limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show any evidence of limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side, which is required for a higher rating under DC 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder adhesive capsulitis, left shoulder degenerative osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 6, 2019
- Citation
- 19109498
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 439 · Granted: 19% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19109498.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability is granted a rating of 40 percent effective August 31, 2018. The right shoulder disability is granted a rating of 40 percent effective August 31, 2018.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation of his service-connected left shoulder disability was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis due to stress on his joints from training and parachute jumps during active service. The evidence considered included the Veteran's statements, a private medical opinion, and a buddy statement.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right shoulder disabilities, and a new VA examination is needed to determine their likely etiology.
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