The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine was denied, and the effective date is set at July 14, 2015.
The deciding factor: The claim was received on July 14, 2015, which became the effective date for the increased disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2019
- Citation
- 19129291
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 remands the issues of increased rating for back disability, service connection for sleep apnea, left heel, and hemorrhoids, as well as entitlement to a TDIU prior to August 1, 2025, for additional development.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine prior to January 21, 2022.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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