The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his left shoulder disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his left shoulder disability, and he did not meet the criteria for a TDIU.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of limitation of motion or other disabling conditions. The evidence also did not support a finding that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Impingement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23043410
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 23043410.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD, shoulder impingement, shoulder arthroscopic scars, painful scar of the right shoulder, and knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with chondromalacia and Baker's cyst. Service connection was also denied for bilateral hearing loss.
- Granted
The Veteran's past-due benefits were awarded in the June 2021 rating decision, which granted a 20% increased rating for left shoulder impingement. This contributed to his overall 100% disability rating from March 26, 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased rating for left shoulder disability is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for a 70% rating for PTSD, effective July 11, 2017, is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal of the recoupment of separation pay benefits from VA disability compensation is denied. The dental condition for treatment purposes issue is 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.