Service connection for OSA is denied. An increased rating of 10 percent for GERD with IBS is granted, subject to laws and regulations governing payment of monetary benefits. A compensable rating for left little finger fracture is denied. Prior to May 20, 2014, a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine disability is denied. Since May 20, 2014, a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability is denied. An increased rating of 20 percent for neurological manifestations of right lower extremity secondary to lumbar spine disability is granted. A rating in excess of 10 percent for neurological manifestations of left lower extremity secondary to lumbar spine disability is granted, subject to laws and regulations governing payment of monetary benefits.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's OSA began during service or was related to an in-service injury. The GERD with IBS has been rated based on persistent epigastric distress with dysphagia and regurgitation, warranting a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7346. The left little finger fracture does not meet the criteria for ankylosis or arthritis, resulting in no compensable rating. For the lumbar spine disability, prior to May 20, 2014, the evidence did not show limitation of motion meeting the criteria for a higher rating. Since May 20, 2014, the Veteran's range of motion was limited to 58 degrees flexion, warranting a 20 percent rating.

Claimed conditions

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Left Little Finger Fracture, Lumbar Spine Disability

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

10%

Decision date

July 26, 2018

Citation

18121485

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 18121485.