The Veteran's increased rating claims for cervical spine DJD and IVDS, left shoulder strain, left hip limitation of extension, left hip flexion, and left hip impairment of thigh have all been denied as the evidence does not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show that any of the Veteran's conditions met or approximated the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes, Diagnostic Codes 5243, 5201, 5251, 5252, or 5253.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), Left Shoulder Strain, Left Hip Limitation of Extension, Left Hip Impairment of Thigh
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 14, 2021
- Citation
- 21002746
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 21002746.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder disability, low back condition, bilateral knee disabilities, and left shoulder strain have been granted service connection. The Veteran's low back condition has been increased to a 40 percent evaluation, while the bilateral knee conditions remain at their current 10 percent evaluations.
- Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of August 7, 2023 for the grant of service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also claimed as a back condition), and bilateral lower extremity sciatic neuropathy.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder strain and assigned a 20% rating effective March 16, 2023. The appellant is eligible to the direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the November 2023 rating decision.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left shoulder strains, finding that the current ratings of 20% are appropriate based on limited motion in both shoulders.
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