The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for various service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 20 percent for thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome and deep peroneal nerve radiculopathy, or a separate rating of 10 percent for left shoulder strain.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions were evaluated based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine and Diagnostic Codes pertaining to neurological abnormalities. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under these codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, Deep peroneal nerve radiculopathy, Left shoulder strain, Left ankle strain, Right foot pes planovalgus deformity, with plantar fasciitis, posterior and plantar heel spurs, and degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsal, Eczema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 30, 2009
- Citation
- 0911712
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 0911712.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was dismissed as a matter of law due to a full grant of benefits. The appeals for left knee and left ankle disabilities are remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple service-connected conditions have been denied as the necessary VA examinations were missed without good cause.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to a failure to fully develop the scope of his service-connected disabilities and apply the correct criteria for skin conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
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