The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating based on the range of motion findings and the impact of pain medication.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion in his left shoulder and low back did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating even with consideration of pain medication effects.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Disability, Lumbar Spine Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 7, 2025
- Citation
- 25008852
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, a low back disability, a left knee disability, and a left shoulder disability as there was no evidence to support that these conditions were incurred in or caused by the Veteran's military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability, both before and after November 8, 2024.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and higher initial ratings for psychiatric, left shoulder, right hand tremors, left hand tremors, and allergic rhinitis disabilities.
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