The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder strain is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum available rating under the applicable diagnostic code. The Veteran's onychomycosis of bilateral big toes does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating as there is no evidence that it encompasses at least five percent of the entire body or at least five percent of exposed areas affected.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s left shoulder strain has been rated based on limitation of motion, with flexion limited to 120 degrees. The current 20% rating reflects this limitation and is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5201 for non-dominant arm disability. For her onychomycosis, there was no evidence that it affected at least five percent of exposed areas or required treatment with medication.
- Claimed conditions
- Left shoulder strain, Onychomycosis of bilateral big toes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19142523
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.
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The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a left shoulder strain.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for higher ratings on all claims due to untimely Notices of Disagreement.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for chronic kidney disease and service connection for blurry vision, left shoulder strain, and right shoulder strain.
- Denied
The appeal for an increased rating for left hip, the claims for entitlement to an earlier effective date and an increased rating for right knee strain, and the appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for left shoulder strain were dismissed. The claim for a 40 percent rating from June 24, 2021 for degenerative disc disease was granted.
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