The Veteran's initial rating for right shoulder strain is denied as his functional loss does not result in limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side.,An initial disability rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for left shoulder strain prior to February 25, 2020 is granted. The Veteran's condition has been stable and he did not experience significant functional loss during flare-ups or with repetitive use over time.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s right shoulder range of motion was limited to 70 degrees during flare-ups and with repetition, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.,The Veteran's left shoulder had full range of motion on all movement without evidence of pain. The VA examiner estimated no additional loss of motion or functional ability due to additional symptoms during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Strain, Left Shoulder Strain, Lumbar Spine Degenerative Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20073758
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,249 · Granted: 37% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 20073758.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder disability, low back condition, bilateral knee disabilities, and left shoulder strain have been granted service connection. The Veteran's low back condition has been increased to a 40 percent evaluation, while the bilateral knee conditions remain at their current 10 percent evaluations.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection and increased rating for his right shoulder disability was denied. The Board found that the earliest claim for service connection was filed on June 3, 2024, and thus no earlier effective date is warranted.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder strain and assigned a 20% rating effective March 16, 2023. The appellant is eligible to the direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the November 2023 rating decision.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder strain with rotator cuff tendonitis was granted, effective August 19, 2024. The decision is based on the merits of the case and not due to any presumption or new evidence.
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