The Veteran's request for a higher rating for right shoulder tendonitis prior to November 7, 2019 was denied. The claim for a higher rating from November 7, 2019 to May 17, 2020 is also denied as the current assigned 40% rating is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5201.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis and degenerative arthritis did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the degree of motion limitation or ankylosis, which are the primary factors considered in evaluating these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Tendonitis, Right Shoulder Degenerative Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 16, 2021
- Citation
- 21074707
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 21074707.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was cardiopulmonary arrest due to aspiration, and they have found a duty to assist error in their initial decision. They are now requesting a medical opinion to determine if the service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability and scar was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other criteria.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right shoulder replacement resulted in intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion, with flexion and abduction limited to 100 degrees. The claim for a higher initial rating is denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis is rated at 20 percent from February 6, 2017. The rating for thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome remains at 40 percent prior to September 22, 2025 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.
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