The Veteran's initial ratings for his cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, left hip, GERD and chronic sinusitis disabilities have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant a higher initial rating based on the severity of his symptoms or impairment to his daily life, as required by the applicable VA Rating Schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease with bilateral upper extremity paresthesias, Degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine with bilateral lower extremity paresthesias (also claimed as low back pain, lumbago, and spinal stenosis), Left hip gluteus medius strain, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with dysphagia (also claimed as gastroenteritis), Chronic sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 6, 2015
- Citation
- 1533554
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1533554.
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 GERD is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that his sinus condition may be related to his service-connected disabilities. The case is remanded for further development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as there is no evidence that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, finding that these conditions began during active service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for chronic sinusitis was granted with a 10% disability rating, considering his symptoms and medical records.
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