The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The RO found that there is no evidence of complaints or treatment for a low back disorder prior to November 1, 2005, and did not meet criteria for higher ratings from November 1, 2005, to December 20, 2006, nor since then.
The deciding factor: The RO determined that the veteran's symptoms did not warrant a compensable rating prior to November 1, 2005, and found no evidence of functional loss or incapacitating episodes from November 1, 2005, to December 20, 2006. Since then, there is no ankylosis or other findings that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease (DJD) and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 17, 2008
- Citation
- 0831790
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 0831790.
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).
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