The veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain, dysthymia, and bilateral foot disabilities were denied. The RO continued the denials of these claims in a May 2005 rating decision.
The deciding factor: The RO determined that there was no legal merit to the veteran's claim for increased ratings as he had essentially failed to assert a claim upon which relief may be granted due to his failure to provide evidence indicating that his daughter continued her school attendance after September 1, 2002.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar strain, dysthymia, bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar calcaneal spurs and bilateral osteoarthritis/degenerative changes to talar-navicular articulation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 6, 2008
- Citation
- 0804184
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0804184.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic lumbar strain. The claims for migraines and Meniere's disease are remanded.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has readjudicated the claim for service connection for chronic lumbar strain due to new evidence submitted after the prior final denial. However, it was determined that the Veteran's current condition is not related to service because his actions leading to the injury were considered willful misconduct.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for dysthymia due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for a new examination.
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