The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right shoulder and thoracic spine disabilities, as well as service connection for compression fractures of the thoracic spine. The RO has maintained a 40 percent evaluation for the right shoulder disability since June 1975 and a 10 percent evaluation for the thoracic spine scoliosis with degenerative changes since August 1984.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support an increased evaluation for either the right shoulder or thoracic spine disabilities, as there was no basis to evaluate them under Diagnostic Codes other than those already assigned. The veteran's claims for service connection and compression fractures were also denied due to lack of supporting evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- Brachial Plexus Injury, Thoracic Spine Scoliosis with Degenerative Changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 3, 2001
- Citation
- 0124069
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 0124069.
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).
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