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 assigned
- 70%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18121730.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.