The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease with bulges at L4-L5 and L5-S1, finding that the disability did not meet criteria for an increased rating prior to September 23, 2002, or beginning September 23, 2002.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records showed that the veteran's back disability was manifested by pain, muscle spasms, and limitation of motion, but did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on severe limitation of motion or ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease with bulges at L4-L5 and L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2006
- Citation
- 0633715
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 0633715.
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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