The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for nephrolithiasis and an initial evaluation greater than 10 percent for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of nephrolithiasis, nor was there any evidence of continuity of symptomatology from service to present. For the thoracolumbar spine condition, the Board found that while forward flexion was limited to 70 degrees at one examination and 80 degrees at another, this did not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation under the General Rating Formula.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support current diagnoses of nephrolithiasis or thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The Veteran's service treatment records showed only one instance of nephrolithiasis in 2000, and there was no subsequent diagnosis or treatment for the condition. For the thoracolumbar spine condition, while forward flexion was limited to 70 degrees at one examination, this did not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation under the General Rating Formula.
- Claimed conditions
- nephrolithiasis, thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 5, 2010
- Citation
- 1029319
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 1029319.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches, chronic vertigo, thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effects of these disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the VA's failure to schedule appropriate examinations.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or use of a hand, foot, permanent impairment of both eyes, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of a knee or hip. Therefore, the Veteran is denied financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.
- Granted
The Board has granted an earlier effective date of August 25, 2017 for nephrolithiasis. The appeal regarding the right hamstring strain's effective date is dismissed. Service connection for scalp folliculitis is denied.
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