Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, but granted a 10% evaluation for the veteran's second degree burn scars on his right arm and right flank.

The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that the degenerative disc disease of multiple levels in the veteran's lumbar spine is more likely unrelated to the in-service treatment for low back pain. The service-connected burn scars were rated based on their size as per VA guidelines.

Claimed conditions
Low Back Disability, Second Degree Burn Scars on Right Arm and Right Flank
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
10%
Decision date
July 14, 2000
Citation
0018547

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 0018547.

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.

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.