The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied across the board. The Board found that none of his conditions met or approximated the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for any of the higher disability ratings assigned, as each condition was already at its maximum schedular rating and no additional functional loss due to pain or other factors was found.
- Claimed conditions
- Left foot hammertoes, Right foot hammertoes, Right shoulder ankylosis, Left shoulder arthritis, Diabetes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 21, 2018
- Citation
- 18152210
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 18152210.
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 Veteran's claim for SMC in excess of SMC(n) based on his service-connected conditions and additional disabilities, as well as his need for aid and attendance. The appeal was dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU, SMC on housebound basis, and DEA benefits are granted effective October 16, 2019. The Board found the Veteran unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected right lung lobectomy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA needs to obtain examination reports and determine if the service-connected conditions meet the criteria for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes and prostate cancer. The Veteran's current diagnoses of OSA, diabetes, and prostate cancer are not supported by evidence showing a current disability at any time during or recent to the filing of his claim.
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