The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability was denied. The RO found that the disability did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner noted that the veteran’s condition may be related to evolving spondyloarthropathy and sacroiliitis, but did not show marked limitation of forward bending or loss of lateral motion with osteo-arthritic changes. The disability was evaluated at 20 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- undiagnosed illness characterized by arthralgia, joint pain, muscle ache, memory loss, and depression, chronic low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 4, 2005
- Citation
- 0502728
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 0502728.
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 appeal for service connection for fibromyalgia was granted with an effective date of August 14, 2023. The appeals for earlier effective dates and higher ratings were denied.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for memory loss and found that the issue of TDIU from September 6, 2022 is moot.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case to obtain a more comprehensive medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's joint pain, particularly addressing his reported symptoms and exposure during Gulf War service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded claims for chronic low back pain, upper back pain, right hand disability, left hand disability, headaches, and right knee disability.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.