The Veteran's Sjögren's Syndrome has been rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that separate compensable disability ratings for the Veteran's right wrist, left wrist, cervical spine, and lumbar spine were already in place due to service connection. Therefore, a separate rating for Sjögren's Syndrome was denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities including Sjögren's Syndrome, which is rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7912-5025. The Board found that pyramiding was not appropriate and thus denied a separate rating for Sjögren's Syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Sjögren's Syndrome, Wrist Ganglion Cysts
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2011
- Citation
- 1133857
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1133857.
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: Granted
The Veteran's Sjögren's Syndrome, characterized by positive ANA, polyarthritis, and sicca, has been granted a 100 percent disability rating for the entire period on appeal.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjögren's Syndrome.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to issues related to Sjögren's Syndrome and a bilateral knee disorder, as well as pulmonary and allergic disorders. The Veteran will need additional VA opinions regarding these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The VA has granted a 60 percent rating for Sjögren's syndrome since March 25, 2004. The veteran previously had a 10 percent rating from March 1, 1997.
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