The Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and right shoulder were granted, with ratings assigned. The initial rating for the thoracolumbar spine is 20 percent effective July 31, 2012, and for the right shoulder is 30 percent effective November 20, 2012.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was manifested by muscle tenderness, flexion to 50 degrees, guarding leading to an abnormal gait. The initial rating for this condition is 20 percent effective July 31, 2012.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, Degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 3, 2014
- Citation
- 1439124
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 1439124.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was dismissed as a matter of law due to a full grant of benefits. The appeals for left knee and left ankle disabilities are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disability and associated radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves are granted with effective dates from June 30, 2010. A 40% rating is assigned for the lumbar disability.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The reduction of the evaluation from 50 percent to 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder was improper, and the 40 percent evaluation is restored.
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