The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's left shoulder disability rating from 30 percent to 20 percent was improper and is void ab initio. The criteria for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent prior to July 21, 2010 have not been met or approximated. For the period from July 21, 2010 forward, the criteria for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent have also not been met or approximated.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left shoulder disability is manifested by complaints of pain and limitation of motion at various levels, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- AC separation of the left shoulder, degenerative changes, tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 10, 2022
- Citation
- 22007602
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 22007602.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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 a left knee strain with degenerative changes, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and an incomplete record of chiropractic care. The Veteran is requested to provide or authorize VA to obtain his treatment records from chiropractors, and an addendum opinion will be provided by a VA examiner.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for TBI, back strain, chest pain, foot pain, and tendonitis as there is no evidence of disease or injury incurred during active duty or training.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depression and anxiety, hearing loss, tendonitis, PTSD, and headaches has been granted. The appeals for service connection for hearing loss and tendonitis are denied. The appeals for service connection for PTSD and headaches are remanded.
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.