The Veteran's request for a higher rating for left shoulder arthritis was denied as the evidence did not show motion limited to 25 degrees from the side.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70% for depressive disorder with insomnia prior to December 15, 2022, was also denied. The Board found that his symptoms were compensated by a 70% rating and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) for need of aid and attendance was granted due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities requiring the aid and attendance of another person.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show left shoulder motion limited to 25 degrees from the side, which is needed for a higher rating.,The Veteran's depressive disorder with insomnia caused occupational and social impairment but was compensated by a 70% rating. Other symptoms were compensated under lower ratings.,The Veteran required aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Arthritis, Depressive Disorder with Insomnia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 21, 2023
- Citation
- 23062072
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 23062072.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an effective date of November 22, 2022 for the award of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is granted. The effective date is based on continuous pursuit of his increased disability rating claims and the fact that he meets the criteria for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left shoulder disability and bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the Veteran requesting to withdraw the appeal for left shoulder scars.,For the period on appeal, the Veteran's left shoulder disability is manifested by limitation of motion at shoulder level with flexion and/or abduction limited to 90 degrees. The Veteran's other impairment of humerus did not manifest by fibrous union, nonunion, or loss of head.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that his current condition is related to his active military service and not due to any pre-existing condition. The decision also notes that he had no injuries or events during service but did experience pain and stiffness in his left shoulder which worsened over time.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right hip and left shoulder disorders, finding that these conditions are related to his active duty service.
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