The veteran's service-connected herniated disc and herpes simplex virus were evaluated, but the claims for higher initial evaluations were denied as they did not meet the criteria established in the rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Herniated disc, L4-5, L5-S1 with arthritis of the low back and chronic pain, Herpes simplex virus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 18, 2008
- Citation
- 0802034
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 0802034.
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 urinary tract infections, herpes simplex virus, and a compensable disability rating for bilateral tinea pedis.
- Denied
The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected herpes simplex virus, as the evidence showed that when present, it involved less than 5 percent of his total body area and required no more than intermittent use of systemic therapy for less than 6 weeks in the relevant 12-month period.
- Granted
The Veteran's skin disability, which includes diffuse dermatophytosis and herpes simplex virus, is rated at a maximum of 60 percent since April 19, 2021. The rating was granted as the condition meets the criteria for a 60 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for the Skin.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's initial rating for herpes simplex virus and a right groin scar were upheld, but the Board has remanded the issue of service connection for left shoulder impingement syndrome.
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.