The VA determined that the veteran's arthritis of the low back with sacralization of L5-S1, DDD, and IDS is productive of not more than severe disablement, without evidence of pronounced impairment or additional functional loss due to pain or other pathology. As a result, they found that the schedular criteria for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent have not been met.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it was only severe without additional functional loss due to pain or other pathology.
- Claimed conditions
- arthritis of the low back, sacralization of L5-S1, degenerative disc disease (DDD), intervertebral disc syndrome (IDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 3, 2002
- Citation
- 0211191
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 0211191.
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 for service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) was dismissed by the Veteran in written correspondence.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for right shoulder, thoracolumbar spine, and ankle disabilities based on their relationship to the Veteran's active service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain and granted an effective date of November 5, 2007, but no earlier, for TDIU.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for degenerative disc disease was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew the issue in January 2025.
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