The Veteran's low back disability was granted a 20 percent rating prior to March 28, 2019. From March 28, 2019 to March 9, 2023, the claim for an increased rating was denied. Since March 9, 2023, the Veteran's claim remains pending as a higher rating is not granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating from March 28, 2019 to March 9, 2023 and since March 9, 2023.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease with arthritis, lumbar spine, Painful left knee torn medial meniscus status post repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 23, 2023
- Citation
- 23052907
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 23052907.
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 low back disability, associated with a torn medial meniscus of the left knee, is rated at 40 percent prior to March 9, 2023. From that date forward, his condition does not warrant a higher rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination for her service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disorders. The case will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.
- Denied
The veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease with arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied. The RO found that the current evaluation of 20 percent is appropriate based on the symptoms described, which include pain and slight limitation of motion causing restricted activities.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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.