Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder AC joint separation with traumatic arthritis and painful scars, status post left shoulder surgery was denied. The current ratings of 20 percent are not sufficient to reflect the severity of the disabilities.,There is no indication that the Veteran's service-connected conditions were related to any specific exposure basis such as burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, or Gulf War.

The deciding factor: The VA medical exam did not show limitation of motion in either condition that would warrant a higher rating. The Veteran’s symptoms are primarily pain and instability, which do not meet the criteria for more severe ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.,There is no evidence to support an increase in disability based on service connection theory or exposure basis.

Claimed conditions
Left shoulder AC joint separation with traumatic arthritis, Painful scars, status post left shoulder surgery
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
September 16, 2024
Citation
A24056896

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 A24056896.

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.

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.