The Veteran's rhinitis is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 6522.,The Veteran's residuals of an injury to the right fourth and fifth metacarpals are currently rated at 0 percent, as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome.,The Veteran's chronic back pain with history of spondylolisthesis is rated at 40 percent under Diagnostic Code 5237.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any additional symptoms that would warrant a higher rating, and the current ratings are based on the severity of the service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- rhinitis, injury to the right fourth and fifth metacarpals, chronic back pain with history of spondylolisthesis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 27, 2017
- Citation
- 1729669
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1729669.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's rhinitis and gastric ulcer with hiatal hernia were evaluated, but the Board found that neither condition warranted a higher rating.,For rhinitis, the evidence did not show greater than 50 percent obstruction of both nasal passages or complete obstruction on one side. For gastric ulcer with hiatal hernia, symptoms were described as infrequent and mild.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and rhinitis on a direct basis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service, including exposure to environmental factors during Operation Desert Storm.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete findings and failure to properly address the onset, cause, and nature of his conditions. The VA will need to schedule examinations to determine if his rhinitis and bilateral hand disabilities are related to service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for sinusitis and rhinitis as there is no evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.
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