The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of functional limitation.,The Veteran’s right wrist scar is rated at 0 percent as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7805.,The Veteran's left knee surgical scars are also rated at 0 percent, with no evidence of disabling effects or loss of function.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s right shoulder disability does not warrant a higher rating due to lack of functional limitation. The scar on his wrist and the scars on his left knee do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7805.,There is no evidence showing any disabling effects, limitation of motion or loss of function, due to the Veteran's surgical scars.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Arthritis, Right Dorsal Wrist Scar, Left Knee Surgical Scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2020
- Citation
- 20004029
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder, but granted an effective date of February 4, 2024, for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right and left hip arthritis, right and left hand arthritis, right and left shoulder arthritis, cervical spine arthritis, and lumbar spine arthritis. The claims for right knee, left knee, right ankle, left ankle, right foot, and left foot arthritis were remanded.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder condition, which is claimed as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder condition. The decision also grants new and material evidence having been received since the previous denial.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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.