The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back injury and right shoulder arthritis, as well as a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The RO found that the conditions did not warrant higher ratings under the applicable criteria.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on the severity of his symptoms and the specific diagnostic codes in effect at the time of the decision.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of low back injury, post-operative right shoulder arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 30, 2006
- Citation
- 0615641
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that additional development is needed to fully assist the Veteran with his claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury, including obtaining outstanding medical records from Dr. K.S., Dr. L, and VA.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for residuals of a low back injury, finding it at least as likely as not that the veteran's current low back disability is due to in-service trauma. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The case is being remanded for additional examinations and development of the claims.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.