The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the left shoulder disability, as it did not show limitation of motion to midway between side and shoulder level. For the total disability rating claim, the Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU, and there was no indication that his service-connected conditions prevented him from securing and following a gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show limitation of motion to midway between side and shoulder level for the left shoulder disability, which is required for a higher rating under DC 5201. For the TDIU claim, the Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria (60% or more) for consideration of TDIU.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of left greater tuberosity fracture, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bilateral pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 20, 2019
- Citation
- 19164560
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 19164560.
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for PTSD effective December 2, 2021, but the claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent was denied. The appeal also included claims for service connection and ratings for various conditions, some of which were granted while others were remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of October 17, 2022, for the grant of service connection for PTSD.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for headaches and increased ratings for left shoulder rotator cuff tear, right shoulder rotator cuff tear, hypertension, and left and right leg restless leg syndrome. The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder.
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