The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied. The initial rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine (C6-C7) prior to March 20, 2014 was granted at 10 percent. From March 20, 2014 to September 23, 2015, a 20 percent rating was granted for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine (C6-C7). Since September 23, 2015, an increased rating beyond 20 percent is denied for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine (L4-S1).

The deciding factor: The Veteran's left shoulder disability was not found to be distinct from her service-connected cervical spine and left upper extremity radiculopathy. The initial rating for cervical spine DDD prior to March 20, 2014 was granted at 10 percent based on the evidence showing limited range of motion. From March 20, 2014 to September 23, 2015, a 20 percent rating was granted for cervical spine DDD due to the presence of incapacitating episodes. Since September 23, 2015, an increased rating beyond 20 percent is denied as there is no evidence of favorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Left Shoulder Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Degenerative Disc Disease of the Cervical Spine (C6-C7)"}, {"condition_name":"Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine (L4-S1)"}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

June 11, 2019

Citation

19144880

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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 19144880.