The Board denied service connection for a left hand disability and initial ratings in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder degenerative arthritis and bilateral hearing loss. However, the Board granted an initial 20 percent rating for dry eye syndrome.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current disability requirement was not met as there is no indication that he has a current left hand disability beyond the scar for which service connection is already in effect. The right shoulder limitation of motion and functional impairment during the relevant period were adequately reflected by the 20 percent rating, and a higher rating under diagnostic code 5010 or 5003 was not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- left hand disability, right shoulder degenerative arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, dry eye syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 4, 2025
- Citation
- A25019301
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