The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The low back disability was rated at 40 percent prior to August 11, 2015, and 60 percent from that date forward.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes as defined by VA during any portion of the appeal period. The Veteran's symptoms were consistent with a 40 percent rating for his low back disability and a compensable rating for hypertension.
- Claimed conditions
- Asthma, Residuals of a lower abdominal muscle or groin tear disability, Left ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 9, 2018
- Citation
- 1801476
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 1801476.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left knee strain, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and service connection for a right ankle disorder. Other claims were denied or remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for asbestosis, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was also denied a compensable rating.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for bladder cancer in remission with urinary incontinence and denied an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for asthma.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various disabilities and denied higher ratings for several service-connected conditions.
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