The veteran's claims for increased ratings for Reiter's syndrome of the lumbar spine and cervical spine were denied. The lumbar spine claim was not granted as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis, pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past year. For the period prior to October 27, 2005, the cervical spine claim was not granted as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis, severe recurrent attacks of intervertebral disc syndrome with intermittent relief or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks during the past year. For the period from October 27, 2005, forward, the cervical spine claim was not granted as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected Reiter's syndrome did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of specific findings such as unfavorable ankylosis, severe recurrent attacks of intervertebral disc syndrome with intermittent relief or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past year.
- Claimed conditions
- Reiter's syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 12, 2007
- Citation
- 0710895
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 0710895.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, Reiter's syndrome, and lumbar spine disability have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a hearing loss disability for VA purposes and that his service-connected disabilities do not warrant an earlier effective date.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of August 2, 2012 for the establishment of service connection for Reiter's syndrome with degenerative arthritis of cervical spine and obstructive sleep apnea.
- Partly granted
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for Reiter's syndrome and granted service connection for ulcerative colitis as secondary to Reiter's syndrome, effective December 11, 2001.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, specifically whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected Reiter's syndrome and foot disabilities.
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