The veteran's claims for increased ratings for granuloma annulare, asthmatic bronchitis, and mechanical low back pain were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran failed to attend multiple VA examinations without good cause shown, and his conditions do not warrant an increase in disability ratings based on current medical records and examination findings.
- Claimed conditions
- granuloma annulare, asthmatic bronchitis, mechanical low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 16, 2003
- Citation
- 0316173
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0316173.
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
Clauses an effective date of August 5, 2021 for the award of service connection for asthmatic bronchitis.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial disability rating for asthma was denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence supports the Veteran's claim for service connection for granuloma annulare, including as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran was presumed exposed to herbicides during his military service, and a VA examiner concluded that his current condition is related to this exposure.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for an increased disability rating for asthmatic bronchitis was withdrawn by the Veteran, and the Board has no jurisdiction to review this matter.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for sleep apnea with asthmatic bronchitis, to include a separate rating for asthmatic bronchitis.
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