The Board found that the veteran's DDD at L4-L5 approximates mild but not intervertebral disc syndrome prior to January 31, 2003, and moderate but not greater intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks after January 31, 2003. The veteran was assigned a 20 percent rating for his DDD at L4-L5 effective from January 31, 2003.
The deciding factor: The VA examination results did not warrant an increased rating beyond the 20 percent already assigned based on moderate intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks after January 31, 2003.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) at L4-L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 21, 2006
- Citation
- 0608163
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
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