The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for discogenic low back pain and weakness of the left lower extremity were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the Veteran’s symptoms, including her back pain and leg weakness, did not warrant a higher rating based on the current level of disability as defined by VA's General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine and associated neurological criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Discogenic Low Back Pain, Left Lower Extremity Weakness
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2011
- Citation
- 1146772
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1146772.
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: Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) effective September 23, 2019.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for increased evaluations and effective dates for multiple conditions. The appeal was dismissed due to withdrawal of claims by the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for eligibility for a special home adaptation grant. The Board also granted eligibility for specially adapted housing due to her service-connected multiple sclerosis and related lower extremity weakness.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to new evidence showing worsening of his service-connected disabilities. The issues include multiple sclerosis, dysthymic disorder, urinary voiding dysfunction, left upper extremity weakness, left lower extremity weakness, and history of optic neuritis.
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