The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left shoulder tendonitis was denied, as the evidence did not show motion limited to midway between the side and shoulder level or less. The claim for a higher rating for thoracolumbar spine DJD was also denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports showed that the Veteran's left shoulder had flexion and abduction to 95 degrees with onset of pain at 0 degrees, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- Left (dominant) Shoulder Tendinitis, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the Thoracolumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 5, 2017
- Citation
- 1710853
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 1710853.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for her thoracolumbar spine DJD was denied. The right foot plantar fasciitis and bilateral plantar fasciitis were granted a 30 percent rating effective February 21, 2021. The right shoulder DJD was denied a higher rating. The cervical spine DJD prior to December 2, 2019 was granted a 20 percent rating; from that date, the claim for a higher rating was denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected DJD of the thoracolumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve were evaluated as 10% and 10% respectively, with no higher ratings granted. The appeal was denied for an increased rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine was denied, as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to the Veteran’s ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Denied
The Veteran's DJD of the thoracolumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, and symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
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.