The Veteran's thoracolumbar disability was previously denied a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 7, 2021 and is now denied a higher rating effective June 7, 2021.,Entitlement to OSA service connection is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it had its onset during service or due to exposure to environmental hazards in the Persian Gulf.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as his forward flexion was at least 60 degrees with pain noted.,There is no evidence that OSA had its onset during service or due to exposure to environmental hazards in the Persian Gulf. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's symptoms were not diagnostic of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar disability, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23043576
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 23043576.
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