The Board denied an increased rating for the right shoulder rotator cuff tear, finding that the disability did not meet or more nearly approximate limitation of motion to midway between the side and shoulder level.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed no limitation of motion approximating to midway between the side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45 degrees), as required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- Right shoulder rotator cuff tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 3, 2025
- Citation
- A25030879
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,200 · Granted: 43% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 A25030879.
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: Denied
The Veteran's SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless that he needed regular aid and attendance. The criteria for SMC at the housebound rate have also not been met.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff tear is granted as service connected, with the Board finding a causal link between his in-service injury and current symptoms.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied increased evaluations for asthma, PTSD with sleep deprivation, and right shoulder rotator cuff tear. The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for high blood pressure and TDIU was remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injuries, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.
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.