The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability was denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis, fibrous union, nonunion or loss of head of the humerus. The highest possible rating under current regulations is 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not find any evidence of unfavorable ankylosis, fibrous union, nonunion or loss of head of the humerus in the Veteran's left shoulder disability, which limits him to a 30 percent rating under DC 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis, left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 3, 2024
- Citation
- A24023151
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 A24023151.
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 remanded the claims for increased ratings for left shoulder, low back, and left knee disabilities due to new evidence added to the record.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder. The claims for degenerative arthritis of the shoulders and cervical spine DDD are remanded due to lack of a VA examination. The claim for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is inextricably intertwined with the cervical spine disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
This decision grants initial compensable ratings for gout and degenerative arthritis, right ankle prior to April 8, 2016, and from April 8, 2016. It also grants an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for gout and degenerative arthritis, left ankle. The decision denies initial compensable ratings for degenerative arthritis, left shoulder prior to April 8, 2016, and from April 8, 2016, as well as a higher rating for right shoulder rotator cuff tear with degenerative arthritis.,Entitlement to an increased initial rating in excess of 30 percent for residual scars, pilonidal cyst excision, low back, coccyx area, right shoulder x4, and bilateral feet is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected left and right shoulder disabilities have resulted in a TDIU since July 15, 2004. The appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his shoulder conditions.
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