The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 60% since March 1, 2015. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability was initially rated at 10%, then increased to 20% from May 15, 2009. The appeal continues as the Veteran seeks an initial rating in excess of 20%.,The Veteran's left shoulder DJD and rotator cuff tear are currently rated at 20%. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.,The Veteran's service-connected scars have not been assigned any compensable ratings. The appeal continues as the Veteran seeks an initial compensable rating.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for left shoulder DJD and rotator cuff tear is denied, with the earliest possible effective date being November 26, 2016.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for left shoulder scar is denied, with the earliest possible effective date being March 29, 2012.,The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted since March 1, 2015. The appeal continues as the Veteran seeks an earlier effective date.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating for the left knee disability due to the lack of additional surgeries or replacements and the consistent presence of pain, instability, and weakness.,The right shoulder disability is rated based on limitation of motion. The Veteran's range of motion was consistently limited at 90 degrees flexion and 80 degrees abduction, with no evidence of ankylosis or impairment of other bones.,The left shoulder DJD and rotator cuff tear are currently rated at 20%. The appeal continues as the Veteran seeks a higher rating based on additional disabling symptomatology not overlapping with existing ratings.,The scars have been evaluated under Diagnostic Code 7805, which does not allow for a compensable rating. The appeal continues as the Veteran seeks an initial compensable rating.,The effective dates are denied due to lack of evidence showing earlier claims or entitlement to service connection prior to the specified dates.,The effective date is denied due to lack of evidence showing earlier claims or entitlement to service connection prior to the specified dates.,The TDIU claim has been granted since March 1, 2015. The appeal continues as the Veteran seeks an earlier effective date.

Claimed conditions

Left Knee Gonarthrosis (Post Total Arthroplasty), Left Shoulder Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) and Rotator Cuff Tear, Right Shoulder, Post Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

60%

Decision date

August 23, 2019

Citation

19165784

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 19165784.