The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5201. The appeal is denied as his range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left shoulder condition meets the requirements for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5201 (limitation of motion to 90 degrees in abduction and 110 degrees in flexion), which is the maximum available rating for non-dominant shoulders.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder labral tear, glenohumeral joint instability and dislocation with arthrosis, status post bicep tendinosis and Mumford resection
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 19, 2024
- Citation
- A24019904
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 A24019904.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service connection claim for sinusitis is granted, and the increased rating claim for left shoulder labral tear is remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal, which was dismissed due to the appellant's request for withdrawal.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability was denied.,The Veteran was granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.,The Veteran was granted an effective date of October 1, 2019, for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for his left shoulder disability and service connection for upper back pain as secondary to a service-connected left shoulder disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and the retrieval of private treatment records.
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.