The Board found that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of L5-S1 and herpes zoster (shingles) do not warrant increased ratings as there is no objective evidence showing significant impairment or functional loss.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not reveal any objective findings indicating significant impairment in motion, muscle spasm, or neurological function that would support a higher rating for the veteran's service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, herpes zoster (shingles)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 12, 2006
- Citation
- 0631686
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 0631686.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease, finding that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, as well as decreased left toe and knee extensor strength associated with these conditions, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records from SSA and a VA examination.
- 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.
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