The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sciatic disorder is dismissed as the condition is already included in the residuals of stroke granted service connection and awarded a 100 percent disability rating.,Service connection for kidney stones is denied due to lack of evidence showing that the condition began during active service or was related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 60 percent for incontinence is denied as he is already receiving the highest available rating based on his disability.,Service connection for dermatitis is denied because the Veteran does not have more than 40% of exposed areas affected, and systemic therapy is not required.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for seizures is granted as he meets the criteria for moderate incomplete paralysis of a nerve.,Service connection for slurred speech is denied because it does not meet the criteria for a separate disability.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's sciatic disorder was already included in his service-connected residuals of stroke, and thus no new claim could be entertained. The kidney stones were deemed unrelated to active service. The Veteran's incontinence is rated at its highest level due to the nature of the disability. Dermatitis does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on exposure or systemic therapy. Seizures are rated as they do not qualify under any specific diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- sciatic disorder, kidney stones, incontinence, dermatitis, seizures, slurred speech
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20030399
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 20030399.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of June 8, 2022 for the award of service connection for a skin disability (dermatitis). This decision is based on the receipt of an intent to file dated June 8, 2022.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for syncopal episodes, finding that these episodes are secondary to her service-connected migraine headaches.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and needs additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and his incontinence.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation and service connection was denied due to a late filing of the Board Appeal request.
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.