The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral strain and left shoulder bursitis, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed limited motion of the veteran's spine and shoulder but no other significant findings such as tenderness or muscle spasm. The preponderance of the evidence supported the current ratings assigned for these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, left shoulder bursitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 8, 2003
- Citation
- 0300357
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 0300357.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and lumbar radicopathy, right side, secondary to the lumbosacral strain.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's low back injury occurred during a period of active duty for training (ADT) and continued therefrom.
- Dismissed
The appeals for restoration of ratings and for a higher disability rating were dismissed as the April 2025 rating decision did not make final decisions on these issues.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, with the exception of remanding certain issues.
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