The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus of the thoracolumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected post-operative right total knee arthroplasty with leg shortening. The left shoulder rotator cuff tear is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5201.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus of the thoracolumbar spine was found to be aggravated by his service-connected post-operative right total knee arthroplasty with leg shortening. The left shoulder rotator cuff tear is rated at its maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- Herniated nucleus pulposus of the thoracolumbar spine, Left shoulder rotator cuff tear
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 14, 2014
- Citation
- 1431540
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 1431540.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder rotator cuff tear, lumbar spondylosis with spinal stenosis, and right lower extremity (RLE) radiculopathy involving the femoral nerve.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 15, 2020 for the grant of increased disability ratings were denied.,The Board found that the earliest date entitlement arose was January 15, 2020, and thus the effective dates established by the April 2020 rating decision are correct.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's right ankle disability is not service-connected, and has remanded the left shoulder disability for further development.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that further development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to VA treatment, including obtaining additional records and an independent medical expert opinion.
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.