The veteran's low back disability was evaluated at a 20 percent rating prior to January 23, 2002 due to moderate recurring attacks of intervertebral disc syndrome or moderate limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent based on the veteran's symptoms and range of motion before January 23, 2002.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease at L4-L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 5, 2006
- Citation
- 0616352
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 0616352.
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 Board granted a 40 percent rating for degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 prior to December 2, 2020 and denied an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent after that date. The Board also granted a 10 percent rating for radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve and femoral nerve in both lower extremities prior to December 23, 2016 and denied ratings greater than 40 percent or 30 percent respectively after that date.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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