The Board denied a higher evaluation for the veteran's lumbosacral sprain with pain on motion, finding that it did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The disability resulted in intermittent muscle spasms and pain but did not meet the criteria for severe lumbosacral strain or neurological symptoms as required by the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 7, 2000
- Citation
- 0031983
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 0031983.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbosacral sprain may be service connected, but the left knee disability is remanded for further development due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Dismissed
The appeal of the proposed reduction in the Veteran's rating for a lumbosacral sprain is dismissed as it was not a final adjudicative decision.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral sprain, while remanding the claims for left hip strain, right hip strain, left knee instability, right knee instability, and tachycardia.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied the appeal for an earlier effective date for award of service connection for lumbar spine disability, which was affirmed by a Court Order. The case is remanded to address a CUE claim in the June 1981 rating decision.
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.