The Board granted initial non-compensable ratings for bilateral shoulder strain, effective from July 3, 2012. Effective that date, the Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent rating for his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show any functional loss or impairment of either shoulder joint due to pain, weakness, fatigue, lack of endurance, or incoordination during the appeal period. However, there was objective evidence of crepitus (popping) with bilateral shoulder movement.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Shoulder Strain, Lumbosacral Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 11, 2016
- Citation
- 1619052
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 1619052.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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An effective date of July 1, 2020 is granted for Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).,An effective date of July 1, 2020 is also granted for basic eligibility for Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) due to permanent and total service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disorders due to in-service participation on a boxing team. The VA will need to obtain additional medical records, including private physical therapy records, and schedule an examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of low back and right knee disabilities due to improper filing deadlines.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bulimia, bilateral shoulder strain, bilateral hip sprain, and bilateral knee sprain are remanded due to inadequate examination and treatment record review. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant records and schedule the Veteran for VA examinations.
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