The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his cervical spine, right shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities were denied. The current ratings of 20 percent each are maintained.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating based on the severity or limitations of motion of the Veteran's joints.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine, Degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, Right knee osteoarthropathy, Left knee osteoarthropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 24, 2017
- Citation
- 1753871
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 1753871.
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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to attempt rescheduling the Veteran's missed VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, right shoulder, and right wrist due to a need for additional development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability as further development is needed to obtain an adequate medical opinion.
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