The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder strain is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available. The Veteran's service-connected onychomycosis of bilateral big toes does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s left shoulder strain has been rated based on limitation of motion and is already at its highest possible rating under Diagnostic Code 5201, which reflects no more than flexion limited to 120 degrees. The Veteran's onychomycosis 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.
- Claimed conditions
- Left shoulder strain, Onychomycosis of bilateral big toes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19142523
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,421 · Granted: 31% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19142523.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from April 26, 2018 to April 18, 2021. Service connection for toe fungus and left shoulder condition are granted. Service connection for neck condition is also granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for eligibility for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the criteria for a qualifying total service-connected disability rating or loss of use of lower extremities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC at the A&A rate was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not result in a need for regular aid and attendance.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.