The Veteran's right shoulder strain with glenohumeral instability is rated at 30% effective May 2, 2008. The Veteran’s thoracic spine degenerative arthritis is rated at 10%, 20%, and 40% for different periods of time. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective January 1, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right shoulder strain with glenohumeral instability resulted in frequent episodes of recurrent dislocation causing guarding of all arm movements, which warranted a 30% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5202. The thoracic spine degenerative arthritis was rated based on its impact on the Veteran’s ability to perform daily activities and work.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Strain, Thoracic Spine Degenerative Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19132661
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,828 · Granted: 32% (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 19132661.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection and increased rating for his right shoulder disability was denied. The Board found that the earliest claim for service connection was filed on June 3, 2024, and thus no earlier effective date is warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder strain with rotator cuff tendonitis was granted, effective August 19, 2024. The decision is based on the merits of the case and not due to any presumption or new evidence.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service injury.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left shoulder strains, finding that the current ratings of 20% are appropriate based on limited motion in both shoulders.
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