The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for residuals of a fracture of the left distal fibula, right sacroiliitis, and left sacroiliitis were denied.,For degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, the Veteran was granted an initial rating of 10 percent from September 17, 2003 through March 2, 2008. A higher rating is not warranted for this condition during any period on appeal.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that there was no evidence to support a higher disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected conditions.,For degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, the VA found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as his symptoms were consistent with mild limitation of motion and intermittent flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a fracture of the left distal fibula, right sacroiliitis, left sacroiliitis, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 9, 2009
- Citation
- 0933764
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 0933764.
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 has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating, compensable rating, and extension of temporary total evaluation for his lumbar spine disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing all claims in April 2022.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective October 23, 2024.
- Granted
The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted as service connection due to continuity and chronicity since it began in service.
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.