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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1402223.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.