The Board has determined that the veteran's current disability level for rating purposes does not warrant a schedular evaluation in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that appellant currently experiences moderately severe cervical and thoracic muscle pain, as well as diminished range of motion of the dorsal spine. The existing residuals from his service-connected fractured ribs do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- status post fracture of six left ribs, scoliosis, mid-back pain, intercostal neuralgia, traumatic midthoracic arthritis, thoracic myositis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 7, 2004
- Citation
- 0408939
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 0408939.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disorder and scoliosis, finding that the evidence did not support the existence of separate and distinct conditions from his already service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for asbestosis with bilateral pleural plaques and dismissed the appeal for service connection for scoliosis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination and medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claim for service connection for scoliosis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar strain, piriformis syndrome, and scoliosis based on the finding that the Veteran's preexisting scoliosis disorder was permanently aggravated as a result of her military service.
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