The Veteran's claim for higher initial disability ratings for the service-connected thoracolumbar scoliosis, cervical spondylosis, esophageal reflux, erectile dysfunction, and testiculitis has been dismissed.,Higher initial disability ratings have been granted for hypertension (10 percent) and varicose veins of both legs (20 percent).
The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of higher initial disability ratings for thoracolumbar scoliosis, cervical spondylosis, esophageal reflux, erectile dysfunction, and testiculitis.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar Scoliosis, Cervical Spondylosis, Mild Esophageal Reflux, Erectile Dysfunction, Testiculitis, Hypertension, Varicose Veins of the Right Leg, Varicose Veins of the Left Leg
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18102015
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 18102015.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
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.