The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for her service-connected neck, right upper extremity, thigh, shoulder, and thoracic spine disabilities have been denied. The evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s conditions do not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings based on their severity as defined by VA's Rating Schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic myofascial neck pain, right upper extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy, right anterior thigh reflex sympathetic dystrophy, right shoulder strain with degenerative changes, thoracolumbar spine disability with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 6, 2019
- Citation
- 19143652
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's right upper extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) prior to June 20, 2023, but denied a higher rating and an increased rating on an extraschedular basis thereafter.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.