The Veteran's initial rating for his right shoulder disability prior to December 23, 2019 was denied as the condition did not warrant a higher than 20 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran had limited motion of the arm at shoulder level with painful motion and weakness but no ankylosis or other severe impairments. The disability was rated based on limitation of motion under DC 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- Right shoulder labral tear, Superior labral anteroposterior (SLAP) tear, Degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 30, 2021
- Citation
- 21026219
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 21026219.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The reduction of the evaluation from 50 percent to 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder was improper, and the 40 percent evaluation is restored.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to attempt rescheduling the Veteran's missed VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, right shoulder, and right wrist due to a need for additional development.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment and other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorders. The initial evaluations for right shoulder labral tear, right ankle sprain, left ankle sprain, right hip strain with limitation of flexion, right hip strain with limitation of extension, right hip strain with impairment of thigh, and allergic rhinitis were denied.
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