The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability and associated radiculopathy were denied. The criteria for higher ratings were not met in any of the periods specified.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records did not show that the Veteran’s conditions warranted a rating higher than those assigned, based on the criteria provided by the VA's Rating Schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spondylosis, transition lumbosacral vertebrae, degenerative joint disease (low back disability), left sciatic nerve, left femoral nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20061406
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 20061406.
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 Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 14, 2023.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the claim for eligibility to enroll in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is remanded due to insufficient evidence and lack of proper notice. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in a need for personal care services, but this determination was made without adequate medical justification or explanation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbosacral spondylosis is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board has determined that a remand is necessary to correct any errors in the evaluation process.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on the severity of his symptoms.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection, as well as increased ratings for various disabilities.
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