The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The VA determined that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his dorsal spine injury, as his forward flexion was within normal limits. His PTSD symptoms did not warrant an increased rating beyond 50 percent. For shrapnel wounds to both knees, he received no compensable rating due to functional limitations. The VA also found that there was insufficient evidence to establish service connection for the claimed residuals of a nephrectomy.
The deciding factor: The veteran's dorsal spine injury did not result in forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less and favorable ankylosis, which would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. His PTSD symptoms were found to be within the criteria for a 50 percent disability evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- dextroscoliosis, residuals, dorsal spine injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 20, 2007
- Citation
- 0740136
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 0740136.
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: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine condition, including chronic mechanical spine syndrome and lumbar degenerative arthritis, with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy but denied service connection for dextroscoliosis.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back condition and left leg radiculopathy, finding that these conditions were incurred in or caused by active military service.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted readjudication of the service connection claim for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, but remanded the claims for radiculopathy.
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