The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left shoulder degenerative joint disease with glenohumeral joint instability was denied as his disability did not more nearly approximate limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's range of motion, even considering repetitive use over time, did not reach 25 degrees from the side, which is required for a higher rating under DC 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder degenerative joint disease, glenohumeral joint instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2026
- Citation
- A26039898
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 A26039898.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain an opinion regarding direct service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder condition. The Veteran seeks service connection based on his in-service injury during PT.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain with bicipital tendonitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, glenohumeral joint instability, and degenerative arthritis as a direct result of an in-service injury.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating or service connection in all cases.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied higher ratings for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, granted a 30% rating for hyperacusis from January 31, 2008, and granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.
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