The VA denied the appellant's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected strain and myositis of the lumbar paravertebral muscles, currently rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the level of disability produced by the appellant's low back condition is consistent with moderate lumbosacral strain or moderate limitation of motion of the lumbar spine, but not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- strain, myositis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 9, 2001
- Citation
- 0104189
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 0104189.
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 Veteran withdrew the appeal for service connection for myositis, and it has been dismissed.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for myositis, finding no nexus between the condition and either active duty or a service-connected disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome and strain as additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral degenerative arthritis and strain based on the Veteran's continuous symptoms since separation from service.
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