The Veteran's left little finger disability is rated at 0 percent, as there are no limitations of motion or other functional impairments that warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's right shoulder DJD is currently rated at 20 percent. The appeal for an increased rating has been denied.,Prior to December 2, 2019, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent and from December 2, 2019, it was rated at 20 percent. Both ratings have been denied.,The Veteran's bilateral Achilles tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent each, throughout the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show any additional functional loss or impairment of the left little finger that would warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The right shoulder DJD and lumbar spine disability are already rated based on their current manifestations.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Little Finger Fracture, Right Shoulder Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Lumbar Spine Disability, Achilles Tendonitis in Left and Right Feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2021
- Citation
- 21069172
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 21069172.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable prior to August 19, 2024 and at a 20% rating since that date.,The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated as 30% prior to December 1, 2022 and at a 40% rating since that date.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated as 20% prior to December 1, 2022 and at a 40% rating since that date.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated as 10% prior to August 3, 2024 and at a 20% rating since that date.,The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated as 10% prior to August 3, 2024 and at a 20% rating since that date.,The Veteran's left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated as 20% since August 3, 2024.,The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated as 10% prior to August 27, 2024 and at a 20% rating since that date.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and his left and right foot disabilities are each rated at 10 percent. The appeals for increased ratings have been denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims of increased ratings for Right Shoulder Disability and Lumbar Spine Disability due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding medication effects.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, as the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,Service connection for a left shoulder disability and lumbar spine disability were also denied. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions had onset in service or were otherwise related to service.
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