The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of healed compression fractures at T7-9 was denied. Service connection claims for various conditions were also denied, with the exception that service connection for residuals of healed compression fractures at T7-9 received an effective date of May 12, 2003.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a higher rating for the Veteran's thoracic spine disability and there was no nexus between any of his claimed conditions and service.
- Claimed conditions
- compression fractures of the back at T7-9, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, bilateral leg disorder, headache disorder, bilateral hand disorder, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 28, 2018
- Citation
- 18153831
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 18153831.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and lower extremity disorders, including as secondary to a lumbar spine disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for headaches, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, back disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a failure to provide notice regarding the Veteran's right to a hearing.
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