The Veteran's claim for service connection for trapezius and lumbar region pain with scoliosis and age-related degenerative changes was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a link between these conditions and his military service.,The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable criteria. The Board concluded that the Veteran’s symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: Service connection for trapezius and lumbar region pain with scoliosis and age-related degenerative changes was denied because there was no evidence showing a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.,PTSD was rated at 70 percent as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Trapezius and lumbar region pain with scoliosis and age-related degenerative changes, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 26, 2018
- Citation
- 18121730
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 18121730.
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
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity conditions and PTSD, resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities such that he is entitled to specially adapted housing.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that these conditions are related to military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right and left hand pain are granted increased ratings, while his PTSD is denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.
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