The Board denied increased ratings for various conditions, finding that the Veteran did not have a currently diagnosed psychiatric disability and that his spondylotic changes at the right side of the sternum were not service-connected.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a current diagnosis of a psychiatric disability or a nexus between the Veteran's in-service environment exposures and any current eye disabilities. The VA examinations found no currently diagnosed psychiatric disability, and the examiner opined that the Veteran's symptoms were due to his service-connected sleep apnea.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spondylosis with associated early degenerative disc disease, Diffuse disc bulging of the lumbosacral spine (L2-L3 to L5-S1) with mild narrowing, Left shoulder impingement syndrome, Spondylotic changes at the right side of the sternum at the junction with the 4th rib
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 21, 2016
- Citation
- 1647505
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 1647505.
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 service-connected disabilities require the aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for hypertension and remanded claims related to a low back disability, bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome, and other conditions due to insufficient evidence.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits was denied because she did not have an employment handicap and was able to obtain suitable employment consistent with her abilities, aptitudes, and interests.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for left shoulder impingement syndrome and denied the other claims.
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.