The Board denied a higher disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected left rotator cuff tendonitis, finding that the evidence did not show limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side, which would warrant a higher 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.
The deciding factor: The medical and lay evidence showed no limitation of motion of the left arm to 25 degrees from the side during flare-ups or following repetitive use.
- Claimed conditions
- left rotator cuff tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20033449
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20033449.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the record.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for rhinitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on a presumptive basis due to exposure to fine particulate matter during active service in Southwest Asia. The Board also granted increased ratings of 30 percent, and no higher, for headaches, thoracolumbar spine strain, right rotator cuff tendonitis, and left rotator cuff tendonitis from December 13, 2021.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted an initial 20 percent rating for right rotator cuff tendonitis from April 16, 1999 to August 13, 2012 and denied a higher rating for the left shoulder surgical scar during the same period.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's TBI residuals cause a need for regular aid and attendance.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.