The Board granted service connection for a right shoulder strain as secondary to a service-connected disability and sinusitis, but denied an increased evaluation for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's IVDS did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician. The right shoulder strain was granted as secondary to a service-connected disability, and sinusitis was directly related to military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine, Right shoulder strain, Sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 9, 2025
- Citation
- A25058705
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,612 · Granted: 16% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 A25058705.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at a noncompensable evaluation. The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for sinusitis as of February 19, 2021, based on the number and duration of incapacitating episodes requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine and lumbar spine conditions, left knee condition, right knee condition, and sinusitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for chronic laryngeal papillomatosis.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw their appeal.
- Denied
The Veteran's sinusitis was rated as noncompensable for the period prior to December 9, 2024. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on the severity of his symptoms and lack of incapacitating episodes.
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