The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by recurrent dislocation and degenerative arthritis, has been rated at 20 percent since January 2014. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating as the condition only limits motion to midway between the side and shoulder level.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show right shoulder motion limited to 25 degrees from the side, which is required for a higher 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- Recurrent right shoulder dislocation, Degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 3, 2019
- Citation
- 19167965
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 19167965.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability prior to October 11, 2022 and since December 1, 2022. The Veteran's claim is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5242.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and a lumbosacral strain, is at least as likely as not related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks higher initial ratings for his back disability, but the VA examinations from the period under review are inadequate. The Board finds that remand is necessary to obtain an opinion as to the severity and manifestations of the Veteran's back disability during the period under review.
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