Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent prior to December 2, 2024. The issue of higher ratings since December 2, 2024 for his total shoulder replacement and residuals from left knee replacement is dismissed due to lack of case or controversy.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a rating in excess of the assigned 20 percent prior to December 2, 2024 for right shoulder disability. The issue of higher ratings since December 2, 2024 was premature as the severity could not be evaluated long term until the convalescent period after surgery.

Claimed conditions
Right shoulder arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, Right subacromial decompression, Right clavicle fracture (ORIF), Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
April 9, 2026
Citation
A26033099

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 A26033099.

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

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

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.