The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and residuals of a right hemicolectomy/volvulus with spastic colitis and psychophysiologic gastrointestinal condition, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent or 30 percent, respectively.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms were primarily managed through pain management strategies such as PT sessions and medication. His lumbosacral strain was characterized by intermittent LBP with occasional radiculopathy into the right lower extremity, while his residuals of a right hemicolectomy/volvulus condition included chronic diarrhea and constipation without significant bowel or bladder incontinence.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, residuals of a right hemicolectomy/volvulus with spastic colitis and psychophysiologic gastrointestinal condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 31, 2002
- Citation
- 0208761
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 0208761.
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 Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased initial ratings and service connection, effective November 18, 2019.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood chronic, sleepwalker disorder, and lower lumbar extremity radiculopathies. The claims for service connection for PTSD, erectile dysfunction, obstructive sleep apnea, and a TDIU were remanded.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease was granted a rating of 40 percent on and after August 11, 2018.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as remanded certain issues.
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