The Board found that the veteran's mechanical low back pain with degenerative changes did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, as it did not involve severe intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), incapacitating episodes of IVDS, neurologic impairment, weakness, or incoordination.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records showed that while the veteran experienced chronic low back pain, there was no evidence of severe intervertebral disc syndrome, incapacitating episodes of IVDS, neurologic impairment, weakness, or incoordination. The range of motion was within normal limits with some pain noted at certain points.
- Claimed conditions
- Mechanical low back pain with degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 17, 2003
- Citation
- 0316323
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 0316323.
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's service-connected mechanical low back pain with degenerative changes and major depressive disorder have been granted increased ratings of 40 percent and 70 percent, respectively.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development to assess the Veteran's low back and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities, including their functional loss during flare-ups. The TDIU claim is also deferred pending development of other issues.
- Denied
The Veteran's mechanical low back pain with degenerative changes is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,For his depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, a disability rating of 50 percent has been granted.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for plantar warts and calluses of the feet and mechanical low back pain with degenerative changes, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.
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