The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations provided no objective evidence of ankylosis, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour. The range of motion was within the limits required for a 10% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbosacral spine, Degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, status post fusion with retained hardware, Degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, Status post meniscal repair and debridement of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 21, 2016
- Citation
- 1611255
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1611255.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder to obtain an addendum opinion that considers the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right hip, left hip, and left shoulder, as well as PTSD. The claim for a higher rating for the right knee scar was denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder and a rating in excess of 10 percent for a status post left ankle fracture to obtain additional medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative spondylosis at L5-S1, left and right shoulder disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and depressive disorder.
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