The Veteran's initial disability rating for his left shoulder (minor) disability has been granted at a 30 percent level, effective from January 31, 2011. Separate ratings of 10 percent have also been granted for painful scars on the left shoulder. Temporary total disability ratings based on surgery convalescence have been granted multiple times during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left shoulder disability was found to be limited to 25 degrees or less from the side due to pain, fatigue, weakness, and instability, which is most closely aligned with Diagnostic Code 5201 for limitation of motion. The scars were rated separately as they are distinct conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Disability, Left Shoulder Scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 1, 2026
- Citation
- A26029583
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 A26029583.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding insufficient evidence to establish an in-service event or injury related to his shoulders. The Veteran's current shoulder conditions are not linked to his military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date before April 1, 2018 for a 20% rating for left shoulder disability was denied. The appeal also resulted in the assignment of a 20% rating from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018, and a TDIU granted from April 1, 2018 to September 3, 2025.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded. The claim for sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea) remains denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extension of a temporary total rating for his left shoulder disability, finding that he did not require convalescence beyond August 31, 2011 following his surgery.
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