The Board granted service connection for right shoulder pain/rotator cuff and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance regarding their etiological relation to active duty.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence was at least in relative equipoise supporting a direct service connection for both conditions based on the Veteran's credible reports and medical opinions from Dr. T.L., despite conflicting VA examiner opinions.
- Claimed conditions
- right shoulder pain/rotator cuff, degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- April 28, 2025
- Citation
- A25038634
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for several conditions, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, but denied increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and other conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability and denied increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity prior to June 7, 2024. The appeal was remanded for other issues.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a higher rating of degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine was dismissed because the veteran already received a 40% rating.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, as her service-connected conditions do not significantly impact her ability to perform functions of self-care.
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