The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent from March 21, 2011, and 40 percent beginning June 9, 2016. The right shoulder disability is granted a 30 percent initial evaluation starting June 9, 2016. TDIU is granted due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluding his ability to work. The issue of extraschedular evaluation for migraines is dismissed.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports an increased rating based on functional loss and abnormal spinal contour in the lumbar spine, as well as a limitation of motion in the right shoulder that warrants a higher initial evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine disability, right shoulder disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 13, 2018
- Citation
- 18110721
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 18110721.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder disability, abdominal hernia, GERD, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral foot disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during the appellant's period of active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for residuals of gallbladder removal and remanded the other claims due to insufficient evidence.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.
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