The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings have been denied. The veteran is already service-connected for migraine headaches, and his low back disorder has a current evaluation of 20%. His left lower extremity neurological manifestations are currently rated at 20%, effective May 3, 2005. His cervical spine disorder does not meet the criteria for an increased rating. His left epididymal cyst is not service-connected.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disorder and left lower extremity neurological manifestations have been evaluated based on their current symptoms and do not warrant a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes. The cervical spine disorder does not meet the criteria for an increased rating as it does not demonstrate ankylosis, incapacitating episodes requiring physician prescribed bed rest, or separately rated neurological manifestations.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbosacral Strain, Neurological Manifestations of Left Lower Extremity, Cervical Spine Disorder (Degenerative Disc Disease), Left Epididymal Cyst
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 25, 2008
- Citation
- 0840536
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 0840536.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on several conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals.,The Board has not assigned a specific rating or effective date as the claims are being remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional error in the denial of the Veteran's request to change his vocational rehabilitation goal from diesel technology to obtaining a music degree. The case is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates set at October 18, 2023. The lumbosacral strain has also received a higher initial rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further medical examinations and evaluations. The issues include psychiatric disabilities, lumbosacral strain, plantar fasciitis, rheumatoid arthritis, prostate disability, erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, nasal disability, and pulmonary disability.
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