The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected low back disability, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on moderate limitation of motion and mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's low back disability did not produce incapacitating episodes or more severe orthopedic or neurological manifestations to warrant a higher evaluation under the revised criteria for evaluating intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and spinal disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 23, 2004
- Citation
- 0433902
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 0433902.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased rating claims for lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities, so the case is dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spondylosis and other conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and irritable bowel syndrome, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Dismissed
Your appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of your appeal.
- Dismissed
The Veteran requested to withdraw all pending appeals due to his current 100% P&T status effective June 20, 2024.
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