The veteran's claim for increased rating and extraschedular rating for his low back disorder was denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to the low back disorder is also denied.
The deciding factor: The veteran's disability ratings were at their maximum under VA regulations, and no higher schedular rating could be granted due to the nature of his condition.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- September 24, 2002
- Citation
- 0212865
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 0212865.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the intermediate rate between the (m) and (n) rates based on his service-connected conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands multiple claims for higher initial ratings and other benefits due to the need for additional development, including an examination regarding atrophy in the Veteran's legs.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a VA opinion to address whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disability manifested in the functional equivalent of unfavorable ankylosis during flare-ups.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right ankle degenerative arthritis, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy with radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, rendered him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.
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