The Veteran's initial ratings for DJD of the right and left shoulders have been granted at 40% and 30%, respectively, effective from when the claims were filed.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet criteria for ankylosis or impairment of the humerus, clavicle, or scapula, but they approximated limitation of motion to 25 degrees from side in both shoulders. The highest possible rating based on range of motion findings was granted.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the right shoulder, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19130536
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 to remand the cases for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's shoulder disabilities are at least as likely as not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, but the issues of service connection for low back disability, right shoulder DJD, left shoulder DJD, right hip DJD, and left hip DJD have been remanded due to lack of evidence.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for DJD of the right shoulder, left shoulder, and arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine. The conditions are related to service.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder DJD was denied. The current disability rating of 30 percent is the highest available under Diagnostic Code 5201, which pertains to limitation of motion of the arm at shoulder level and midway between side and shoulder level.
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