The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected left shoulder disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side or intermediate ankylosis, and there were no indications of fibrous union, nonunion, loss of head, malunion, or moderate deformity of the humerus. The Veteran's symptoms were adequately addressed by the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder synovitis, muscle strain, posttraumatic arthritis, chronic left shoulder instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19180981
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a right foot condition, including hallux rigidus with degenerative arthritis, based on the Veteran's credible assertions of continuous symptoms since active duty and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's appeal for a rating higher than 10% for his right wrist condition. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing ankylosis or its functional equivalent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's service connection claim for a left middle finger disability due to insufficient information regarding whether any increase in severity of the pre-service disability occurred during service.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for left arm injury, posttraumatic arthritis. Service connection was granted for lumbar pain and strain.
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