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 assigned
- 10%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1533554.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, finding that these conditions began during active service.
- 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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