The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, exercise-induced compartment syndrome of the legs, allergic rhinitis, GERD, and migraines did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on current evidence.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's conditions did not warrant a higher rating as they did not meet the specific criteria outlined in the VA Rating Schedule for these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, Patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, Exercise-induced compartment syndrome of the left leg, Exercise-induced compartment syndrome of the right leg, Allergic rhinitis, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Migraines
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18156359
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 18156359.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for chronic headaches, CFS, dermatosis, bilateral RLS, a lumbar spine disability, and sleep apnea but denied a compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's PTSD was granted a maximum disability rating of 100 percent effective December 12, 2022. The ratings for migraines and IBS with GERD were restored from noncompensable to their previous levels.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matters for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and conducting VA examinations.
- Denied
The appeal for higher ratings and effective dates for various conditions was denied, with the exception of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy which were granted an earlier effective date.
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.