The Board denied an original rating greater than 40 percent for Degenerative Disc Disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1, and a rating greater than 30 percent for migraine. The veteran's claims were not granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) at L4-L5 and L5-S1, Migraine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 13, 2000
- Citation
- 0029782
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 0029782.
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 Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA needs to obtain examination reports and determine if the service-connected conditions meet the criteria for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings of depressive disorder and erectile dysfunction has been withdrawn by the Veteran.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted, with a finding that it was related to service exposure. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied due to his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine, including migraine variants, is remanded due to incomplete development of the record and need for an updated medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that new evidence received since the April 2018 rating decision tends to prove or disprove a matter at issue in the claim of service connection for TBI, including migraine and migraine variants. The AOJ is required to readjudicate the claim taking into consideration all of the evidence of record.
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.