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 assigned
- 20%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0821996.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral hand and elbow arthritis due to an inadequate VA examination.
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.