The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back and right shoulder disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current assigned ratings.
The deciding factor: The objective findings on clinical examination showed the Veteran’s thoracolumbar spine motion on forward flexion was greater than 0 to 30 degrees, which precluded a higher rating under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Strain with Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Right Shoulder Tear, Supraspinatus Tendon with Tendinitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 8, 2013
- Citation
- 1336535
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 1336535.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent effective April 24, 2007. The issue of TDIU is addressed in the REMAND portion.
- Granted
The Board found that the reduction of the disability rating from 40% to 10% for service-connected low back strain with DJD was proper, and granted an increased rating.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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.