Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, but the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence during the period on appeal reveals that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder manifested no more than moderate limitation of motion and did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

Claimed conditions
lumbar spine degenerative joint disease with myofascial strain and low back pain, radicular nerve root paresthesia over the right gluteal area associated with lumbar spine degenerative joint disease with myofascial strain, left-sided mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
November 9, 2012
Citation
1238486

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 1238486.

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.

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.