The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his lumbar spine and left shoulder disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability prior to July 11, 2014, from July 11, 2014 to June 18, 2017, and from October 1, 2017. For the left shoulder disability, there were no incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician in the past 12 months.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran had unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine or any other condition warranting a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The medical records also did not indicate any incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician in the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine disability, left shoulder disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21073941
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 21073941.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as these issues have been addressed in a separate docket.
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