The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by impingement syndrome, was found to not warrant a higher than 20 percent rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show limitation of motion to 25 degrees or midway between side and shoulder level, which would have warranted a 30 percent rating. The Veteran's reports of flare-ups and functional impairment after repeated use were not significant enough to meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Impingement syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 21, 2021
- Citation
- 21023953
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 21023953.
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 service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment due to his right shoulder strain, impingement syndrome, and rotator cuff tendonitis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the appeal for service connection of degenerative joint disease and impingement syndrome affecting both upper extremities due to potential synergistic effects from various exposures, including radiation, asbestos, and chemicals.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was incurred in or caused by military service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, while denying a higher rating for her left shoulder disability.
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