The Board denied service connection for arthritis of both shoulders and epicondylitis of the left elbow, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims. The claim for an increased evaluation for arthritis of the lumbar spine was also denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings did not demonstrate moderate limitation of motion in the lumbar spine or other criteria warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- arthritis of both shoulders, epicondylitis of the left elbow
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 15, 2000
- Citation
- 0003989
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0003989.
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
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left elbow epicondylitis is being remanded due to the need for additional information and a new VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient detail in the VA examinations and a recent private medical opinion suggesting service connection for pes planus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded three cases involving the Veteran's elbow and bilateral knees due to incomplete range of motion testing in previous examinations. The claims are being returned for further examination.
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