The appellant's service-connected L1-L2 fusion and cervical spine conditions are currently rated at 20%.,For the period from July 16, 2005 through May 30, 2009, the appellant's cervical spine condition is rated at 10%. From May 31, 2009, it is rated at 20%,From March 1, 2010, the appellant's right shoulder condition with post-operative decompression is rated at 20%.,The appellant's service-connected cervical spine condition was not increased beyond 10% prior to May 31, 2009 and remains at 10%. The current rating of 20% for the period from May 31, 2009 is appropriate as it reflects the severity of his disability.,The appellant's service-connected right shoulder condition with post-operative decompression was not increased beyond 10% prior to December 14, 2009 and remains at 10%. The current rating of 20% for the period from March 1, 2010 is appropriate as it reflects the severity of his disability.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations provided by the RO in August 2005, June 2009, August 2009, and August 2010 were thorough and supported by medical records. The appellant's service-connected conditions are currently rated based on their severity as determined by these examinations.
- Claimed conditions
- status-post fusion L1-L2 with degenerative changes, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 20, 2011
- Citation
- 1127097
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 1127097.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and radiculopathy affecting both upper and lower extremities, while dismissing the claim for cervicogenic headaches.
- 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.
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