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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20039900.
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 remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for a VA addendum opinion from an orthopedic specialist.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for left acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis was dismissed by the Veteran.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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