The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating is denied. Effective March 2, 2009, he was granted TDIU.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence shows that the Veteran’s left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with various muscle and tendon tears has been manifested by limitation of motion to midway between side and shoulder level for his minor arm (45 degrees), which is adequately contemplated by the 20 percent rating under DC 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, muscle and tendon tears
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21021470
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 21021470.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury. The evidence shows a present disability and service incurrence of an injury, with continuity of symptomatology post-service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and rhomboid strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of lumbosacral strain and left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ must obtain an adequate medical opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee replacement and left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis have been granted service connection, with the Board finding that there is at least a 50% likelihood that these conditions are related to his military service.
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