The VA denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his chronic muscular strain of the low back, superimposed on degenerative instability.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on the severity of his disability.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic muscular strain of the low back, degenerative instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 16, 2001
- Citation
- 0110968
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0110968.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected post back surgery syndrome was denied as the VA examination reports were inadequate to evaluate the disability on appeal. The Veteran cancelled a scheduled VA examination and did not provide good cause.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected back disability, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and femoral radiculopathy due to incomplete or non-compliance with VA examination requirements.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back and left hip disabilities have been denied due to his failure without good cause to appear for scheduled VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and assessments.
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