This decision denies the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder and a lumbar spine disorder, as well as her request for an increased disability rating for her psychiatric disabilities. The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.,The Veteran also had her TDIU rating denied, with the Board finding insufficient evidence to meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.,Her non-service-connected disability pension claim was also denied.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence did not support findings that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder or lumbar spine disorder were incurred during her military service, and there was no substantial evidence showing their onset prior to 2011. The psychiatric disabilities were evaluated based on symptoms consistent with a 50 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder disorder, lumbar spine disorder, psychiatric disorders (primarily PTSD and MDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18132782
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 18132782.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and authorization for private treatment providers. The issues include heart disorder, OSA, sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder all related to Agent Orange exposure.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's request to readjudicate his claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, but denied his claim for right knee disorder. The Board also remanded the cases of left leg disorder and lumbar spine disorder.
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