Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's left-shoulder degenerative changes and recurrent dislocation have been rated at 20 percent each, resulting in a combined rating of 40 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support an increased evaluation for either condition.,The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The deciding factor: The objective medical evidence shows no findings of ankylosis, fibrous union, nonunion (false flail joint) or loss of head (flail shoulder) of the humerus for either condition. The Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

Claimed conditions
Left-shoulder degenerative changes, Left-shoulder recurrent dislocation
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
April 29, 2021
Citation
21025852

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 21025852.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.