The Board denied an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of L4-L5 and granted a compensable evaluation (10%) for right shoulder compression syndrome.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on medical evidence showing no more than slight limitation of motion in his back, and limited range of motion with pain in his right shoulder. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted due to lack of pathology supporting functional loss due to pain.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease of L4-L5, right shoulder compression syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 6, 2000
- Citation
- 0000470
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0000470.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the TDIU claim can be decided. The Veteran's service-connected back disability and other conditions are considered in determining his employability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of L4-L5 from February 27, 2015 was granted. The effective date remains to be determined.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not service connected, as it was not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service. The Board also found no evidence of a direct connection to his service-connected left knee disability.
- Whole decision: Denied
The veteran's degenerative disc disease of L4-L5 is currently manifested by pain and slight limitation of motion, which does not warrant a higher evaluation.
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