The Veteran's DDD of the thoracolumbar spine and recurrent dislocation of the scapulohumeral joint prior to May 22, 2018 are granted with a separate 20% rating. The right arm from shoulder tendinosis is granted but only up until May 22, 2018 when he underwent surgery.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right shoulder condition was found to have recurrent dislocation of the scapulohumeral joint prior to May 22, 2018, which led to a separate rating under DC 5202. The condition post-May 22, 2018 is not rated as it did not manifest in recurrent dislocation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, Right Shoulder Tendinosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 24, 2022
- Citation
- 22030651
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 22030651.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examiner's opinion regarding whether his service-connected disabilities result in loss of use and if so, whether he requires aid and attendance without considering such disability/ies. The Veteran also needs to be considered for SMC R1 based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for the Veteran's low back disability, left ankle disability, and lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as a TDIU.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine prior to December 21, 2023, and in excess of 40 percent from December 21, 2023.
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