The Veteran's right shoulder disability, which includes instability, has been rated at 20 percent since July 27, 2012. The Board found that the current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with limitation of motion to shoulder level without ankylosis or other severe impairment.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and treatment records did not show any additional functional loss due to flare-ups or repetitive use, and the Veteran's subjective complaints were consistent with his current range of motion findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20000730
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 Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by recurrent instability and degenerative joint disease, is rated at 40 percent from June 22, 2002 until October 26, 2009.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.