The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed no limitation of motion to 45 degrees or less from side, nor was there ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, which are required for higher ratings under VA's General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Rotator cuff tendonitis of the right shoulder with strain and tendon inflammation, Lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 6, 2026
- Citation
- A26030965
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26030965.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU from February 13, 2014, to July 2, 2023, due to the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for his depressive disorder, left hip disability, right hip disability, lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, and hypertension to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee arthritis and multiple foot and hip conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The cases of hypertension, bilateral hearing loss disability, gamekeeper's thumb, onychomycosis, right knee strain with degenerative joint disease, cervical strain with degenerative disc disease, and lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease are all remanded due to the need for additional development.
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