The veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylitic changes, degenerative changes of the sacroiliac joints, thoracic spine osteoporosis and spondylitic changes are shown to have been productive of a separately ratable disability picture that more nearly approximates moderate functional loss due to pain involving the lumbar spine. The veteran's right shoulder disability picture is manifested by X-ray evidence of degenerative changes with some pain but no compensable limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The VA medical examinations and X-rays provided sufficient evidence to support a finding that the veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylitic changes, degenerative changes of the sacroiliac joints, thoracic spine osteoporosis and spondylitic changes are productive of moderate functional loss due to pain involving the lumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar Spondylitic Changes, Degenerative Changes of the Sacroiliac Joints, Thoracic Spine Osteoporosis and Spondylitic Changes, Right Shoulder Degenerative Changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 5, 2005
- Citation
- 0532875
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 0532875.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and degenerative joint diseases of various joints, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted the TDIU based on this finding.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injuries and symptoms.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since December 18, 2014. The initial compensable disability ratings for his scar and TBI are granted. His right shoulder and left shoulder degenerative changes are each rated as non-compensable. His right ankle sprain and left ankle sprain are both remanded.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disability did not have its onset in service, was not related to service, and is not otherwise related to service. The evidence does not show that his current condition manifested within one year of separation from service.
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