The VA has determined that the veteran's chronic lumbar strain warrants a 10 percent evaluation, which is the maximum rating available under current criteria. The disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings based on additional functional impairment due to pain.
The deciding factor: The most recent examination did not show ankylosis of the lumbar spine and there was no evidence of intervertebral disc syndrome, which are necessary for higher ratings under DCs 5289, 5293, and 5295 respectively. The veteran's disability is currently rated as slight limitation of motion (DC 5292).
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 15, 2000
- Citation
- 0006911
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 0006911.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the assignment of ratings and service connection based on an intent to file a claim submitted by the Veteran prior to his formal claim.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for chronic lumbar strain, restored the 10 percent rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome effective February 11, 2023, and granted separate 10 percent ratings for instability of the right knee. The decision also granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD from June 8, 2021, and TDIU based on PTSD alone from August 21, 2021, along with SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) based on housebound status from the same date.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded a claim for service connection for sleep apnea.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an increased disability rating for chronic lumbar strain was withdrawn, and the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
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