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Whole decision: Denied

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, and denied her increased rating claims for cervical spine degenerative changes with history of strain, early degenerative changes at L5-S1, right shoulder disorder (tendinitis/bursitis), and S/P cholecystectomy with irritable bowel syndrome.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's depression was not shown during service or thereafter, and there is no competent evidence linking the disorder to service or a service-connected disability. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for cervical spine degenerative changes were not met, as the range of motion did not meet the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for early degenerative changes at L5-S1 were not met, as there was no evidence of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less. The right shoulder disorder had a limitation of arm motion to shoulder level, which did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The S/P cholecystectomy with irritable bowel syndrome did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

Claimed conditions
Depression, Psychiatric Disorder (to include Depression)
How they argued it
Not specified
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
January 4, 2010
Citation
1000010

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1000010.

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).

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