The veteran's low back strain with degenerative changes is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation.,The veteran's bilateral lattice degeneration with asymptomatic retinal holes is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation.,The veteran's cystic acne is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an increase in the rating for low back strain with degenerative changes, as there is no indication of more severe limitation of motion or other disabling symptoms that would warrant a higher evaluation.,The evidence does not support an increase in the rating for bilateral lattice degeneration with asymptomatic retinal holes, as the veteran's visual acuity and field loss are stable and do not meet criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6008.,The evidence does not support an increase in the rating for cystic acne, as there is no indication of more severe symptoms or disability that would warrant a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative changes, Bilateral lattice degeneration with asymptomatic retinal holes, Cystic acne
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 11, 2001
- Citation
- 0115886
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 0115886.
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal of the proposed reduction from 30 percent to 10 percent for GERD is dismissed. The appeal of a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for low back strain with degenerative changes is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation prior to October 22, 2020.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his bilateral upper extremity and back disabilities were denied. The rating for ulnar nerve entrapment at elbow (left upper extremity) was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a greater than 20 percent rating. Similarly, the rating for carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve entrapment at elbow (right upper extremity) was also denied. The rating for low back strain with degenerative changes was denied due to lack of evidence showing severe incomplete paralysis or ankylosis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating for sebaceous cysts and service connection for dental extractions due to incomplete development. The Veteran's medications related to his sebaceous cysts need clarification, as does the relationship between his current diagnosis of cystic acne and his service-connected condition.
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.