Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected disability, finding that the criteria for a higher rating were not met under either the old or new rating criteria for mental disorders. The current rating of 30 percent is maintained.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that the veteran's disability was predominantly psychological or psychoneurotic in nature, and thus, an increased rating based on psychiatric symptoms was not warranted under either the old or new rating criteria for mental disorders. The Board also found no basis to grant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5288 (ankylosis of the dorsal spine) as the veteran's disability is currently rated at the maximum allowable under that code.

Claimed conditions
ankylosing of the anterior vertebral body bridging of T11/T12
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
February 8, 2002
Citation
0201357

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 0201357.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.