The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his thoracolumbar spine disability, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine or moderately severe impairment in either lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, which are required for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Thoracolumbar Spine, Peripheral Neuropathy, Right Lower Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 12, 2016
- Citation
- 1614792
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 1614792.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for left hip disability and peripheral neuropathy due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including obtaining medical records and an adequate VA examination.
- Partly granted
The Board granted higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy in the right and left upper extremities and lower extremities, but denied a higher rating for diabetes mellitus type II.
- Denied
The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to underlying influenza type A, with contributing causes being chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The VA medical opinions found no direct nexus between the Veteran's COPD, CLL, or ARDS and toxic exposures other than herbicide agents during active duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, and TMJ with osteomyelitis are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The cases will be returned for additional development.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.