The VA has determined that the veteran's low back disability, rated at 40 percent, does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome with total duration of six weeks or more in the past year, nor was there unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute Lumbar Strain, Herniated Disc
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 13, 2005
- Citation
- 0519005
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 0519005.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent rating for generalized anxiety disorder is granted, subject to the criteria governing the payment of monetary benefits. The claims for service connection for left knee injury, right knee injury, and herniated disc are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease, including herniated disc and severe arthritis. The case is REMANDED for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.
- Denied
The Board has found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to his military service and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence being added to the record. The Veteran's claim of TDIU remains under review.
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