The Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral shoulders is denied. The claims for initial ratings of 20% for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are granted, effective from August 6, 2013.
The deciding factor: There was no evidence linking current shoulder symptoms to in-service injury or event, and the Veteran did not provide any lay statements explaining why he believes his current shoulder pain is related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral shoulders, lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 26, 2018
- Citation
- 18113871
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18113871.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the permanent loss of use of his left foot and upper right extremity, allowing for entitlement to an allowance for an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's appeal of his right ear hearing loss claim is dismissed. His claims for tinnitus, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and several other conditions are granted. The remaining claims are remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for separate 20% ratings for left and right shoulder limitation of motion have been granted effective April 15, 2019. These were previously pending but not formally submitted until after the October 2015 rating decision became final.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's back issue, bilateral ankles, bilateral shoulders, and neck issue are granted service connection. Tinnitus is also granted service connection.,Hypertension earlier effective date is dismissed as it was implemented by the AOJ based on a Board decision.
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.