The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for her service-connected recurrent back strain with neuropathy to left lower extremity, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to September 26, 2003 and as of September 26, 2003.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's symptoms did not warrant an increased disability rating under the applicable diagnostic codes effective prior to and after September 26, 2003.
- Claimed conditions
- Recurrent back strain, Neuropathy to left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 25, 2005
- Citation
- 0509003
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 0509003.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as there was insufficient evidence to support higher ratings or establish a link between the claimed conditions and active military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to pending and unadjudicated claims, including the Veteran's employment history since 1982.
- Denied
The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected recurrent back strain and TDIU was denied. The RO found that the disability did not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.