The Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc and joint disease is currently rated at 10 percent, effective June 2, 2007. The claim for a higher rating since October 28, 2010 was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome. For seborrheic dermatitis with rosacea, the current evaluation is 10 percent and no higher due to lack of findings for more severe manifestations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome. The dermatitis evaluation remained at 10 percent as the clinical evidence did not show findings warranting a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, Seborrheic dermatitis with rosacea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 29, 2016
- Citation
- 1607899
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 1607899.
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 restored the Veteran's disability rating for his lumbar spine disability from 40% to 40%, effective August 31, 2020. The reduction was improper due to lack of actual improvement in the Veteran's condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA examination and another, adequate, VA addendum opinion to properly rate his lumbar spine disability due to insufficient reasoning in the August 2024 VA medical opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
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