The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for various conditions, including lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis, S/P lumbar fusion, left ankle sprain and closed fracture of lateral malleolus, right ankle sprain, hyperhidrosis, and anal sphincter weakness with episodes of incontinence, was denied. The appeal for increased ratings is dismissed.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria established by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis, S/P lumbar fusion, left ankle, sprain and closed fracture of lateral malleolus, right ankle sprain, hyperhidrosis, anal sphincter weakness with episodes of incontinence
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 9, 2023
- Citation
- 23060409
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 23060409.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected right ankle sprain, but denied an increased rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis based on the Veteran's in-service back injury and chronicity of symptoms.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for headaches, a bilateral wrist disability, a bilateral hip disability, facial scars, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right ankle sprain.
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