The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for duodenal ulcer with residual scarring and low back strain with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed no objectively identifiable abnormality of the duodenum or significant symptomatology related to the veteran's service-connected conditions. The Board found that the current evaluations adequately reflected the severity of his impairments.
- Claimed conditions
- duodenal ulcer with residual scarring, low back strain with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 31, 2005
- Citation
- 0509604
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0509604.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's low back strain with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was granted a 10 percent rating from July 1, 1997 to October 30, 2006. Since then, he is entitled to a higher rating for this condition. The arthritis of the thoracic spine has also been rated at its maximum schedular value.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his low back disability. The TDIU claim will also be referred for consideration on an extraschedular basis.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral metatarsalgia with calluses, low back strain with degenerative changes, and arthritis of the thoracic spine were denied. The Board also denied a TDIU claim.
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