The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected multiple joint arthritis (shoulders, elbows, thoracolumbar spine, and ankles), finding that the evidence did not support a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed normal range of motion in all affected joints, with no significant functional impairment or limitation due to pain or other symptoms. The veteran's arthritis was rated based on its direct effect on joint function without resorting to presumptions or secondary service connection theories.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral shoulder arthritis, bilateral elbow arthritis, thoracolumbar spine arthritis, multiple joint arthritis (shoulders, elbows, thoracolumbar spine, ankles), bilateral ankle arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 3, 2008
- Citation
- 0821996
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 0821996.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions including bilateral shoulder arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, neck pain, arthritis of the low back, and right hand arthritis due to inconsistencies in his statements regarding the onset and chronicity of symptoms.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and effective date of January 10, 2024, for his thoracolumbar spine condition was granted. The effective date is based on the date he filed his Intent to File Claim form.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has found that the Veteran experienced arthritis of the bilateral shoulders, hips, lumbar spine, and left knee since active duty service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral hand and elbow arthritis due to an inadequate VA examination.
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