The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for increased rating of the thoracolumbar spine disability, including myofascial syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative joint disease, is denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis for the entirety of the appeal period. The claim for increased rating in excess of 10 percent is denied as there are no findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to IVDS.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service and is not related to his service-connected disabilities, nor can it be attributed to any other cause. The thoracolumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to IVDS. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis throughout the appeal period, but there are no findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to IVDS.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, thoracolumbar spine disability (myofascial syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative joint disease), rheumatoid arthritis of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 1, 2017
- Citation
- 1749356
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 1749356.
What this means for you
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