The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including eczema, lumbar spine strain, right and left knee disabilities, and DJD of the shoulders, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability ratings were based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (Diagnostic Code 5237), which does not apply to his service-connected eczema, right and left knee disabilities, or DJD of the shoulders. The Board determined that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under this formula.
- Claimed conditions
- eczema, lumbar spine strain, chondromalacia patellae and degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the right knee, chondromalacia patellae and DJD of the left knee, degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the right shoulder, degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 4, 2012
- Citation
- 1234592
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 1234592.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection for asthma and a 10 percent rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities were dismissed. The claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for eczema was denied, while the claim of entitlement to allergic rhinitis was not addressed as it pertained to different issues.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for an initial noncompensable rating for eczema was granted, effective November 5, 2024. The effective date could not be earlier due to the lack of a prior formal or informal claim within one year of receipt of the Intent to File.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for tension headaches was granted with an effective date of August 28, 2014.,Service connection for eczema was granted with an effective date of August 10, 2022. The Veteran requested an earlier effective date but the request was denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of eczema is remanded, and his restoration of the 30 percent rating for eczema effective March 1, 2025 is granted.
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