The Board found that the veteran's service-connected lumbar discogenic disease did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for the period prior to February 25, 1998.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed severe but not pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with intermittent relief, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5293.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar discogenic disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 20, 2002
- Citation
- 0218598
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0218598.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding range of motion for the thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for back disabilities is being returned to VA for further review.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error and an inadequate opinion regarding secondary service connection for lumbar spine disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar discogenic disease, degenerative disc disease (DDD), radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, right lower extremity, and radiculopathy, left lower extremity. The Veteran should be provided an opportunity for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathies.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar discogenic disease, left basal discoid atelectasis, and elongated thoracic aorta are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.
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