The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, allergic rhinitis with angioedema, and folliculitis of the lower legs with bilateral tinea pedis were denied as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis. The current disability ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on the presence of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis, and the current disability ratings are adequate to reflect their severity.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, Allergic rhinitis with angioedema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2013
- Citation
- 1303966
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 1303966.
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 Board has granted service connection for PTSD, back injury, and bilateral knee disabilities (PFS). The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered direct findings of his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, claimed as mid/low back disorder. The Veteran's current diagnosis is supported by his in-service treatment records and ongoing symptoms.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (degenerative disc disease of L5-S1 and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity) render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU effective June 14, 2010.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.
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