The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder disability and associated right upper extremity paresthesias has been denied. The maximum schedular rating of 40 percent is granted for the right shoulder disability, but no higher due to lack of evidence supporting a higher rating under any other Diagnostic Code. For the right upper extremity paresthesias, a compensable rating prior to March 10, 2016, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter has been denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability ratings are based on the severity of his symptoms as determined by medical evidence. The maximum schedular rating for right shoulder disability is granted but not higher due to lack of evidence supporting a higher rating under any other Diagnostic Code. For the right upper extremity paresthesias, no compensable rating prior to March 10, 2016, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter has been awarded as there was no competent evidence of such.
- Claimed conditions
- Right shoulder disability, Right upper extremity paresthesias
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20041219
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 20041219.
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 denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and remanded the case for further action on heart disability. The decision regarding right shoulder disability is that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including low back, left hip, right hip, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities. The VA examinations did not provide adequate opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder disability as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence is in equipoise and granting secondary service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations regarding his claimed knee, shoulder, and back disabilities. The Board finds that a VA examination should be conducted to determine the nature and etiology of any bilateral knee, shoulder, or back disabilities.
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.