The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the Veteran’s conditions did not result in severe or complete paralysis of all radicular groups, and forward flexion was within normal limits with no additional limitation due to pain. The Veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- C6-C7 disc protrusion, Right shoulder degenerative arthritis, Residuals of a right index finger extensor tendon laceration
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2014
- Citation
- 1402223
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 1402223.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder degenerative arthritis and a functionally impairing left shoulder disability, finding that the current disabilities are related to in-service injuries sustained during combat service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for increased initial evaluations of degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, left shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis, and right shoulder degenerative arthritis due to inadequate VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development of the evidence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's right shoulder disability and muscle spasms are not service-connected. The case is being remanded for further examination.
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