The veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability was rated as noncompensable prior to September 26, 2003 and rated as 10 percent disabling since then. The RO denied the claims for higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of severe intervertebral disc syndrome or severe limitation of motion, with forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less. The RO found that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflected his disability picture.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease, retropatellar pain syndrome with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 28, 2006
- Citation
- 0626694
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 0626694.
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 Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal to reopen the previous denial of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as the benefit sought has been fully granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis based on the Veteran's in-service back injury and chronicity of symptoms.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, entitlement to TDIU, and special monthly compensation due to the need for additional development.
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