The Veteran's left shoulder condition is rated at 20 percent, and his back condition is rated at various levels prior to March 3, 2015; from March 3, 2015, to February 1, 2019; and thereafter. Both conditions are denied for increased ratings.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's left shoulder condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it is currently rated at 20 percent due to limitation of motion with flexion limited to 75 degrees on average, which falls within the range specified by Diagnostic Code 5201. For his back condition, the evidence shows that prior to March 3, 2015, there was no unfavorable ankylosis or associated neurologic abnormalities; from March 3, 2015, to February 1, 2019, he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of incapacitating episodes meeting specific duration requirements; and thereafter, his condition does not meet the criteria for an increased rating as well.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Left Shoulder Condition"}, {"condition_name":"Back Condition"}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 17, 2019

Citation

19194260

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 19194260.