The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected back disability, finding that the current rating adequately compensates him for severe pain with intermittent relief.
The deciding factor: The disability picture presented did not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating under former Diagnostic Code 5293 due to lack of persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy and muscle spasms.
- Claimed conditions
- compression fracture of L-2, degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 12, 2002
- Citation
- 0217947
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 0217947.
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)
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an effective date of December 21, 2011 for the grant of service connection for thoracic spondylosis with lumbar strain and degenerative changes is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Dismissed
Your previous claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition was already granted in January 2022, and this appeal is dismissed as there are no unresolved issues or disputes.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection of left knee conditions to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and a VA medical opinion.
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