The veteran's chronic lumbar strain with traumatic arthritis is manifested by moderate limitation of motion and complaints of weakness in the low back and lower extremities, but his disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating higher than 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes has been evaluated as having slight limitation of motion, which corresponds to a noncompensable evaluation under DC 5295. The current 20 percent evaluation is based on this finding and the presence of traumatic arthritis.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar strain, traumatic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 28, 2003
- Citation
- 0303485
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 0303485.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the assignment of ratings and service connection based on an intent to file a claim submitted by the Veteran prior to his formal claim.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for chronic lumbar strain, restored the 10 percent rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome effective February 11, 2023, and granted separate 10 percent ratings for instability of the right knee. The decision also granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD from June 8, 2021, and TDIU based on PTSD alone from August 21, 2021, along with SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) based on housebound status from the same date.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded a claim for service connection for sleep apnea.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an increased disability rating for chronic lumbar strain was withdrawn, and the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
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.