The Veteran's stooped posture, left upper extremity disorder, right upper extremity disorder, and right lower extremity disorder are all rated at 20 percent each. The Board has determined that none of these conditions warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran’s left upper extremity disorder is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence does not show symptoms equivalent to moderate incomplete paralysis in the upper left extremity, which would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's right upper extremity disorder is currently rated at 40 percent. The evidence does not show symptoms equivalent to severe incomplete paralysis in the right upper extremity, which would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran’s right lower extremity disorder is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence does not show symptoms equivalent to moderately severe incomplete paralysis in the right lower extremity, which would warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor was there any evidence of limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating for stooped posture.,The evidence did not show symptoms akin to moderate incomplete paralysis in the upper left extremity, which would warrant a higher rating for the left upper extremity disorder.,The evidence did not demonstrate symptoms akin to severe incomplete paralysis in the right upper extremity, which would warrant a higher rating for the right upper extremity disorder.,The evidence did not show symptoms akin to moderately severe incomplete paralysis in the right lower extremity, which would warrant a higher rating for the right lower extremity disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- stooped posture, left upper extremity disorder, right upper extremity disorder, right lower extremity disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 22, 2018
- Citation
- 18104524
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 18104524.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and lower extremity disorders, including as secondary to a lumbar spine disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates and increased ratings has been withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's lumbar disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are now secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. However, the Board finds that he may be entitled to service connection for a lumbar disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as due to his bilateral pes planus. The case is remanded for further action.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted an initial minimum evaluation of 30 percent for Parkinson's disease with stooped posture.
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