The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, lumbar/thoracic spine disability, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and right foot plantar fasciitis were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating in any of these cases.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not warrant higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Degenerative Disc Disease, Lumbar Spinal Degenerative Disc Disease and Thoracic Spondylosis, Hiatal Hernia with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Right Foot Plantar Fasciitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 10, 2015
- Citation
- 1551810
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 1551810.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his cervical spine disability and left upper extremity radiculopathy ratings, finding that no pending claim prior to March 10, 2020, supported these requests.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right and left knee strains, chronic sinusitis, hypertension, and other conditions, rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since December 16, 2010. An effective date of December 16, 2010 is granted for the award of TDIU.
- Granted
The Veteran's wife has been providing regular care and assistance to the Veteran since February 13, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board grants an effective date of February 13, 2017 for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70% rating for PTSD from November 25, 2015 to August 12, 2024 and a 40% rating for the right shoulder disability. It also granted 10% ratings for both feet and 20% ratings for knee patellofemoral pain syndromes.
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