The Veteran's initial ratings for right and left shoulder disabilities were denied, with the Board finding that the conditions did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on specific anatomical findings or functional loss.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed no fibrous union of the humerus, nonunion of the humerus, loss of head of the humerus, or ankylosis of scapulohumeral articulation. The Veteran's range of motion was not limited to 25 degrees from the side.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20053877
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 20053877.
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: Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy were denied increased evaluations. The TDIU claim was also denied prior to August 20, 2013.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cause of death is determined to be causally related to his service-connected Degenerative Disc Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease, leading to a liver biopsy. As such, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for DJD and rotator cuff tear of the left shoulder was dismissed because the VA Form 10182 was not timely filed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disabilities is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in the prior VA examinations.
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