The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his lumbar spine disorder and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for the lumbar spine disorder or 10 percent for each lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating and his peripheral neuropathy was only mild, thus denying an increase in ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar spine disorder, Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 2, 2009
- Citation
- 0907644
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.
- Granted
The Board granted initial ratings of 40 percent for lumbar spine disorder, 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy. TDIU and SMC based on housebound status were also granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right knee disorder, and a lumbar spine disorder.
- Partly granted
The appeal was denied for service connection of a cervical spine disorder, and several claims were remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
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