The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis, tendonitis and synovitis of the first metacarpal joint (right hand), tendonitis and synovitis of the first metacarpal joint (left hand), bilateral pes planus, and low back disability have been denied. The Board found no evidence that these conditions meet the criteria for a compensable rating at any time.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show findings sufficient to warrant a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis or tendonitis and synovitis of the first metacarpal joint (right hand) and left hand. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and low back disability were found to not meet the criteria for higher ratings at any time.
- Claimed conditions
- Allergic Rhinitis, Tendonitis and Synovitis of the First Metacarpal Joint (Right Hand), Tendonitis and Synovitis of the First Metacarpal Joint (Left Hand), Bilateral Pes Planus, Low Back Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2009
- Citation
- 0913375
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 0913375.
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: Denied
The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling prior to September 16, 2024 and noncompensable thereafter. The Board found the evidence against finding that his condition met the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to obtain private treatment records from Mays & Schnapp Pain Management and schedule the Veteran for additional medical examinations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, including diagnosed degenerative arthritis with DDD other than intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis status post L3, L4, and L5 laminectomy. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury and his ongoing symptoms since then.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder disability, low back condition, bilateral knee disabilities, and left shoulder strain have been granted service connection. The Veteran's low back condition has been increased to a 40 percent evaluation, while the bilateral knee conditions remain at their current 10 percent evaluations.
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