The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes rotator cuff impingement syndrome and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence does not show that his condition meets or approximates the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations consistently showed limitation of motion without additional functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigue, or lack of coordination during repetitive use. The Veteran's symptoms were primarily related to abnormal range of motion and tenderness rather than significant instability or other factors that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder rotator cuff impingement syndrome, left acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20039900
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 20039900.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for a VA addendum opinion from an orthopedic specialist.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for left acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis was dismissed by the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that there was no credible evidence of an in-service injury or continuity of symptoms since service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and clarification of the medical opinions provided, as they do not address all theories of entitlement raised by the Veteran.
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.