The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected herniated disc at L3-4 and L5-S1 with lower lumbar radiculopathy, as well as bilateral shin splints, were denied. The RO found that the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of the assigned percentages have not been met.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on the severity and duration of his symptoms and functional impairment as evaluated under the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- herniated disc at L3-4 and L5-S1 with lower lumbar radiculopathy, bilateral shin splints
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 18, 2003
- Citation
- 0316577
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 0316577.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's low back disability and a 10 percent rating for bilateral shin splints, while denying increased ratings for other disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, as well as remanded certain issues.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral shin splints and left knee osteoarthritis as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, dismissing or denying all appeals.
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