The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left shoulder degenerative joint disease, as well as his claim for service connection for a thoracic spine disability. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the veteran's range of motion was limited during flare-ups but not to such an extent that it equated to 25 degrees from the side, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5201. The service treatment records were negative for any thoracic spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 10, 2008
- Citation
- 0842498
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 0842498.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for his shoulder and lumbar spine conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including various musculoskeletal conditions and mental health disorders.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for cervical strain, lumbar strain, and degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder as the evidence did not support higher ratings.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted from February 6, 2013. The Board found that due to his service-connected disabilities, he required the regular aid and attendance of another person.
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