The veteran's low back disability, characterized by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to no more than 70 degrees and mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerves, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated as 60 percent disabling under DC 5293 (degenerative arthritis) due to intervertebral disc syndrome. However, his symptoms do not warrant an increase beyond this level based on the current criteria and evidence provided.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, no more than mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerves
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- January 29, 2008
- Citation
- 0803320
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 0803320.
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 the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to military service.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's low back disorder, effective March 31, 2019.
- Denied
The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to March 28, 2014 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU and there is no evidence of unemployability due to these conditions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal in a communication received in April 2022.
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.