The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and schizoaffective disorder with major depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's conditions warranted a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms or impairment to his daily functioning.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic musculoskeletal low back pain with dorsal column stimulator implant
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 11, 2018
- Citation
- 1802521
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 1802521.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete information and consent to obtain private records.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was granted, with the highest possible evaluation of 40 percent being assigned since April 12, 2007.
- Remanded (sent back)
The case is being remanded for additional development due to the submission of new evidence. The veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected back disorder, and the RO will determine if any changes in rating are warranted based on this new evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected back disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as SSA records. The case will be readjudicated after these records have been obtained.
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