The VA denied increased ratings for service-connected low back injury and depressive disorder, with the maximum rating of 60 percent assigned for each condition.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disability was rated at the maximum under Diagnostic Code 5293 (intervertebral disc syndrome), and her depressive disorder was rated based on its severity without overlap with other criteria. The evidence did not support higher ratings due to ankylosis or other specific conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back injury residuals, Depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- May 21, 2002
- Citation
- 0204830
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 0204830.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations to properly evaluate the current severity of her disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to hypertension and tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for hypertension.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted a 70 percent disability rating from April 27, 2020 to August 15, 2022, and a TDIU was also granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder to schedule a VA examination as new and relevant evidence has been received.
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