The veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings were denied. The VA found that the residuals of low back surgery with left sciatic nerve pain did not meet criteria for a rating higher than 20 percent, and the left knee tendonitis and pterygium of the right eye each warranted only a 10 percent initial rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show more severe impairment warranting higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of low back surgery with left sciatic nerve pain, left knee tendonitis, pterygium of the right eye
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 11, 2006
- Citation
- 0638456
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 0638456.
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 service connection for chronic rhinitis, allergic or non-allergic and urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) as there was insufficient evidence to establish a causal link between the claimed conditions and the Veteran's military service. The remaining claims were remanded for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for left and right knee tendonitis as the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of bilateral knee tendonitis during the pendency of the claim.
- Dismissed
The Board denied the veteran's appeal for service connection for various conditions, including left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, left knee tendonitis, and polycystic ovary syndrome with irregular periods (previously granted but appeal dismissed), as well as asthma, bronchitis, atypical squamous cells, and dyspareunia.
- Partly granted
The Board granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, denied an increased rating for PTSD beyond the current 100% rating, denied earlier effective dates for SMC housebound status and DEA benefits, and dismissed the issue of a TDIU as moot.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.