The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected low back disability is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows some limitation of motion but no additional functional loss due to pain or other factors, consistent with the current 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Healed contusion to the lower back, Myositis, Degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 7, 2000
- Citation
- 0017801
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 0017801.
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed all appeals related to service connection, increased ratings, and effective dates for various conditions due to procedural defects.
- Granted
The Veteran's increased rating claim for myositis is granted, with a 20% evaluation effective prior to April 26, 2022. The service connection claim for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains denied. A TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's bilateral knee instability is rated at 30 percent, effective May 21, 2014. The case is remanded for further examination and rating considerations.
- Granted
The Veteran's disability ratings for patellofemoral syndrome and degenerative changes of both knees are restored to their previous levels, effective June 1, 2008.
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.