The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis is rated at 20 percent from February 6, 2017. The rating for thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome remains at 40 percent prior to September 22, 2025 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis met the criteria for a 20 percent rating from February 6, 2017. The thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome did not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to lack of forward flexion or unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Tendonitis, Thoracolumbar Spine Intervertebral Disc Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 20, 2026
- Citation
- 26000684
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 26000684.
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 Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was cardiopulmonary arrest due to aspiration, and they have found a duty to assist error in their initial decision. They are now requesting a medical opinion to determine if the service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as his combined service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right and left hip disabilities, including as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability. The AOJ is required to obtain new medical opinions considering all evidence of record.
- Granted
An earlier effective date of August 11, 2014, is granted for the 30 percent rating assigned for right carpal tunnel syndrome.,An earlier effective date of August 20, 2013, is granted for the award of a 20 percent rating for right shoulder tendonitis.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from August 11, 2014, to October 16, 2020, is granted.
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