The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder was denied. For the period prior to March 11, 2019, a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted due to limitation of motion at shoulder level. From March 11, 2019 onward, a rating in excess of 30 percent is also not warranted.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records consistently showed that the Veteran's left shoulder condition resulted in limited range of motion, particularly after repetitive use and during flare-ups, but did not demonstrate limitation of motion midway between side and shoulder level or to 25 degrees from side as required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of the left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- September 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19170715
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 19170715.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for torn labrum and osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, finding no unadjudicated claim prior to October 20, 2014.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee is granted. The claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder is remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's motion to revise a non-compensable rating decision for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder is denied as there was no clear and unmistakable error in the original determination.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
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