The Veteran's service-connected DJD of the thoracic and lumbar spine from October 20, 1979 to September 18, 2006 is denied a rating higher than 10 percent.,Initial compensable ratings are required for hypertension, migraines, and erectile dysfunction.,The Veteran's knee disabilities require initial compensable ratings.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not support a higher rating for DJD of the thoracic and lumbar spine during the period from October 20, 1979 to September 18, 2006.,The Veteran's hypertension, migraines, and erectile dysfunction do not meet the criteria for initial compensable ratings under applicable VA regulations.,The Veteran's knee disabilities require initial compensable ratings as they are service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine, Hypertension, Migraines, Erectile Dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20054665
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 20054665.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
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.