The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation of rhinitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6522.,The claim to reopen service connection for a low back disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The claim to reopen service connection for a right knee disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The claim to reopen service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, secondary to rhinitis, was granted. The Board found that the evidence raised a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.,The claim to reopen service connection for a neck disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6522, as he did not have greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. The Board found that there was no basis to award a compensable evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- rhinitis, low back disorder, right knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression), neck disorder
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 28, 2018
- Citation
- 18114821
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 18114821.
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
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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.
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- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and authorization for private treatment providers. The issues include heart disorder, OSA, sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder all related to Agent Orange exposure.
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