The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis, but granted an increased rating to 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with herniated nucleus pulposus, L3-L4.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the veteran's low back pain did not result in severe intervertebral disc syndrome, severe limitation of motion, or incapacitating episodes lasting at least 4 weeks during a 12-month period. The disability was rated based on flexion to 70 degrees and extension to 30 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease of the lumber spine, herniated nucleus pulposus L3-4
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 29, 2007
- Citation
- 0702521
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 0702521.
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
Degenerative disc disease of the lumber spine, allergic rhinitis, and restless leg syndrome (left and right lower extremities) to include radiculopathy have been granted service connection. Kidney reflux disease and urinary tract infection have not been granted service connection.,Bipolar disorder has been granted service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for initial review of additional evidence submitted in his appeal. The case will be readjudicated, and if any benefit sought remains denied, a supplemental statement of the case will be issued.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the case can be decided, including obtaining missing service medical records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's back disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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