Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The appeal is denied as the RO has determined that service connection for a left shoulder disorder and an increased rating for back disability are not warranted.

The deciding factor: Service connection was initially granted, but no new evidence or changes in law have been presented to reopen claims related to these conditions. The current ratings assigned do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations based on the provided medical records and diagnostic codes.

Claimed conditions
left shoulder disorder due to use of crutches, bilateral pes planus, back pain with scoliosis and degenerative changes
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
July 2, 2008
Citation
0821858

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 0821858.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

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.