The Veteran's service-connected back disability is currently rated at 20 percent prior to March 27, 2019 and 40 percent thereafter. The appeal for higher ratings has been denied.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, which would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Additionally, there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it only shows limitation of arm to 25 degrees from the side.
- Claimed conditions
- Back Disability, Left Shoulder Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20054917
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 20054917.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded. The claim for sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea) remains denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date before April 1, 2018 for a 20% rating for left shoulder disability was denied. The appeal also resulted in the assignment of a 20% rating from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018, and a TDIU granted from April 1, 2018 to September 3, 2025.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding insufficient evidence to establish an in-service event or injury related to his shoulders. The Veteran's current shoulder conditions are not linked to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extension of a temporary total rating for his left shoulder disability, finding that he did not require convalescence beyond August 31, 2011 following his surgery.
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