The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, right S1 radiculopathy (claimed as a right hip disorder), subacromial impingement and rotator cuff tendonopathy of the right shoulder, and subacromial impingement and rotator cuff tendonopathy of the left shoulder are each rated at their maximum allowable evaluations. The veteran's bilateral otitis externa is not currently manifested by any symptoms.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for any of the service-connected conditions, as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, Right S1 radiculopathy (claimed as a right hip disorder), Subacromial impingement and rotator cuff tendonopathy of the right shoulder, Subacromial impingement and rotator cuff tendonopathy of the left shoulder, Bilateral otitis externa
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 15, 2008
- Citation
- 0801565
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 0801565.
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 has granted service connection for PTSD, back injury, and bilateral knee disabilities (PFS). The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered direct findings of his military service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, claimed as mid/low back disorder. The Veteran's current diagnosis is supported by his in-service treatment records and ongoing symptoms.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (degenerative disc disease of L5-S1 and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity) render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU effective June 14, 2010.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.