The Board found that the veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease L5-S1 did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial rating prior to July 31, 2006. Beginning July 31, 2006, the disability was rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's range of motion and symptoms were within the limits that do not warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 22, 2008
- Citation
- 0832347
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 0832347.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for cause of death due to new and material evidence. However, the case is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cause of death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of one or both knees or hips. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle and adaptive equipment.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back disorder, finding that it is due to in-service injuries and continues today.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a new VA examination to evaluate the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine condition.
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