The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for left tibia/fibula impairment or scoliosis of the lumbar spine, and denied service connection for a cervical spine disability.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records provided no evidence to support a higher rating for either condition, and the Veteran's testimony was consistent with these findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Left tibia/fibula impairment, Scoliosis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 8, 2017
- Citation
- 1703918
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 1703918.
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 cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. The VA examiners were asked to address whether these disabilities are related to service, but did not provide sufficient rationale for their conclusions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and scoliosis of the lumbar spine as secondary to a right knee condition. The rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee ACL and medial and lateral meniscus repair with DJD is still pending.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent prior to March 17, 2017 and at 20 percent from March 17, 2017 and prior to April 6, 2018. The Board denied a higher rating for the period prior to March 17, 2017 and denied an increased evaluation greater than 20 percent for the period from March 17, 2017 and prior to April 6, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's low back condition and left ulnar neuropathy are both being remanded for further evaluation due to conflicting evidence regarding their severity.
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