The veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and panic disorder with generalized anxiety disorder were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms, while significant, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, panic disorder with generalized anxiety disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 27, 2009
- Citation
- 0902758
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent rating for panic disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and remanded the claims for service connection for migraines and sleep apnea.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's symptoms were consistent with known facts and circumstances of service.
- Granted
The veteran's rating for back disability was restored to 40 percent because the evidence did not show improvement during flare-ups.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected allergic sinusitis.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.