The Board found that the veteran's lumbar spine disability, characterized as arthritis of the lumbar spine, L4-5 with sacroiliitis, did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent from November 23, 1997 to August 1998.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show any intervertebral disc syndrome or severe lumbosacral strain that would support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- arthritis of the lumbar spine, L4-5, sacroiliitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 13, 2001
- Citation
- 0126317
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 0126317.
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 a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability, specifically addressing whether there was aggravation during service and if the lumbar spondylosis, lumbar radiculopathy, sacroiliitis, and failed back surgery syndrome had onset in service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's current back disability and her military service, specifically the in-service acute back pain.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's disability rating for her service-connected lumbar spine disability is restored to 40 percent effective April 1, 2025. The remaining issues of increased ratings are remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including a back condition, sacroiliitis, and degenerative arthritis in various joints.
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