The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder arthritis and impingement syndrome rotator cuff arthropathy, finding that the Veteran's disability did not more nearly approximate ankylosis or the functional equivalent thereof, impairment of the humerus, impairment of the clavicle or scapula, or flexion and/or abduction limited to 25 degrees from the side.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as there was no ankylosis, impairment of the humerus, or impairment of the clavicle or scapula, and the Veteran's flexion and abduction were measured at more than 65 degrees even during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- Left shoulder arthritis and impingement syndrome rotator cuff arthropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2025
- Citation
- A25030562
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
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