The VA denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for postoperative residuals, herniated nucleus pulposus with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome or more than severe intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease, Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 28, 2000
- Citation
- 0019843
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 0019843.
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 Veteran was granted an earlier effective date of December 9, 2022, for a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD and DEA benefits. The claim for SMC at the 's' rate for housebound status was denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to her service-connected disabilities, which include posttraumatic stress disorder and various musculoskeletal conditions.
- Granted
The Board granted a higher level of SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(t) for the Veteran's residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), effective March 2, 2022.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to consider the appropriate initial evaluations for his service-connected low back disabilities and radiculopathy of the bilateral sciatic nerves, including consideration of whether a higher rating may be assigned under all applicable former and current Diagnostic Codes. The TDIU issue is also being remanded.
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.