The Board denied increased ratings for left shoulder strain with torn rotator cuff and right shoulder strain with torn rotator cuff, as well as an initial compensable rating for left knee instability prior to March 24, 2017, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's shoulder disabilities were rated based on limitation of motion at the shoulder level, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. For his left knee strain, the Board found that there was no evidence of ankylosis or instability warranting separate ratings under other diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Strain with Torn Rotator Cuff, Right Shoulder Strain with Torn Rotator Cuff, Left Knee Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20070723
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction, but granted an increased rating of 40 percent for a low back disability (intervertebral disc syndrome) and 20 percent for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD, denied ratings in excess of 30 percent for left and right knee strains, granted separate 10 percent ratings for painful, noncompensable limitation of flexion of the knees, granted service connection for back condition and related radiculopathies, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a right shoulder condition.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating of 50 percent from July 28, 2023. Other claims for increased ratings were denied.
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