The Veteran's right shoulder superior labral tear with rotator cuff tear of the superior labram and left wrist strain are granted service connection. The Veteran is also granted an initial disability rating of 40 percent for status post closed fracture of left ankle with ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The evidence was approximately evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's right shoulder and left wrist disabilities had their onset during a period of ACDUTRA, leading to service connection being granted. The initial disability rating of 40 percent for status post closed fracture of left ankle with ankylosis is based on the functional equivalent of ankylosis in plantar flexion at more than 40 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Right shoulder superior labral tear with rotator cuff tear of the superior labrum, Left wrist strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 9, 2026
- Citation
- A26033039
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 A26033039.
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
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- Denied
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as the evidence did not show that she was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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