The Veteran's back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to November 1, 2016 and at 20 percent since then. The right shoulder disorder has been rated at 20 percent throughout the appeal period. The left knee strain has also been rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability was found to have forward flexion of 55 degrees, which is within the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5243 (General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine). The right shoulder disorder has been rated at 20 percent since November 1, 2016 based on limitation of motion to shoulder level. The left knee strain was found to have painful motion but not limited to a specific degree.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar strain, Right shoulder disorder, Left knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 29, 2017
- Citation
- 1754637
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 1754637.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and other disabilities have been granted, including a TDIU based on his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's VR&E benefits were denied as she did not have an employment handicap and was found to be employable with her current skills, experience, and education. The appeal must be denied.
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