Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for lumbar L2-L3 and L5-S1 herniated nucleus pulposus, herniated disc at T5-6, T8-T9, and T9-T10, and ingrown toenail on the left great toe were denied. The VA found that the veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's lumbar spine conditions did not result in incapacitating episodes or significant limitation of motion, and thus did not warrant a higher evaluation than the current 10 percent assigned. The herniated disc at T5-6, T8-T9, and T9-T10 was also found to not meet criteria for a higher rating based on intervertebral disc syndrome. The ingrown toenail condition was deemed noncompensable as it did not result in disfigurement or significant impairment of function.

Claimed conditions
Lumbar L2-L3 and L5-S1 herniated nucleus pulposus, Herniated disc at T5-6, T8-T9, and T9-T10, Ingrown toenail on the left great toe
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
March 14, 2008
Citation
0808602

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 0808602.

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.

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.