The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected low back strain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine, finding that the evidence does not warrant a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows no more than X-ray evidence of mild degenerative arthritic changes in both the thoracic and lumbar spines with pain on motion. The veteran's symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for low back strain, nor does he have a separate compensable rating for his thoracic spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with limitation of motion, Degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine with pain on motion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 31, 2001
- Citation
- 0115090
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 0115090.
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
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Denied
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