The Veteran's claims for service connection for shin splints in both lower extremities, right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Code 7802), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied. The Veteran also has had his initial disability ratings for a right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Codes 7802 and 7804), left fifth finger fracture, and right elbow strain denied.,The Veteran's service connection claim for a cervical spine strain was granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support the presence of shin splints in either lower extremity or any other claimed conditions. The Veteran’s right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Codes 7802 and 7804) was found to be non-compensable as it measured less than the required area for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802, and there was no evidence of instability or pain warranting an additional disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left lower extremity shin splints, Right lower extremity shin splints, Right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Code 7802), Right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Code 7804), Right shoulder rotator cuff tear, Cervical spine strain, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Left knee strain, Lumbar spine strain, Right knee strain, Left fifth finger fracture, Right (dominant) elbow strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20027139
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 20027139.
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 of a right knee disability, finding that there was no nexus between his current condition and active duty service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for a neck disorder, as it is insufficiently addressed in the previous decision. The case will be sent back for an addendum opinion.
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