The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for right shoulder and low back disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support ratings higher than 20% for the period prior to June 11, 2014 and more than 40% thereafter.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed limited motion of the Veteran's right shoulder and low back, but no ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Sprain, Osteoarthritis (right shoulder)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 23, 2019
- Citation
- 19131475
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain a medical opinion addressing direct service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder disability and whether his service-connected left ankle condition has aggravated his right shoulder condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability due to new evidence showing current diagnoses. However, the claim is still pending as it needs further examination and medical opinion to determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal is remanded to provide the appellant with VCAA notice and obtain additional medical records.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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