The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his thoracic and cervical spine strains, allergic rhinitis, urinary outlet obstruction with prostatitis history, right ankle strain, left ankle strain, and chronic allergic pruritis and dermatographism. The evidence did not support evaluations in excess of 20 percent for these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracic and cervical spine strains were productive of no more than forward flexion to 40 degrees at his February 2005 VA examination, with extension to 30 degrees. At his March 2009 VA examination, he had forward flexion to 75 degrees, with extension to 25 degrees and lateral flexion and rotation to 30 degrees, bilaterally. There was no finding of favorable or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic spine strain, Cervical spine strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 3, 2010
- Citation
- 1033230
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 1033230.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for a neck disorder, as it is insufficiently addressed in the previous decision. The case will be sent back for an addendum opinion.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy were denied increased evaluations. The TDIU claim was also denied prior to August 20, 2013.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's cervical spine strain from October 24, 2011. The effective date is set at that time.
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