The Veteran's right-shoulder disorder is rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5201.,Service connection for low-back disorder was denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred or aggravated by active service.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support an increase in disability evaluation beyond 20 percent for the right-shoulder disorder, and the Veteran's current range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5200 or 5202.
- Claimed conditions
- right-shoulder disorder, low-back disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18156531
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 18156531.
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: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right-shoulder disorder, but remanded issues regarding reopening of claims for lumbar-spine disorder and bilateral hearing loss.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low-back disorder, including degenerative disc disease, IVDS and degenerative arthritis, is service-connected as it was incurred during active service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional evidence was added to the claims file after previous decisions and remands. The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the AOJ for review of this new evidence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right shoulder disorder, left leg sciatic nerve disorder, and pelvic pain due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The case is returned to the AOJ for further development.
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.