Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's disability rating for degenerative disc disease L5-S1 with lumbar strain was denied restoration to 20 percent, and his increased rating claim from January 1, 2019, was also denied.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show sustained improvement in the Veteran’s low back disability that would warrant a restoration of the 20 percent rating or an increase beyond 10 percent.

Claimed conditions
Degenerative disc disease L5-S1 with lumbar strain
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
March 20, 2020
Citation
20020696

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 20020696.

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.