The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected degenerative changes of the thoracic spine and recurrent lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation based on the severity or duration of his disability as described in the VA rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, Recurrent lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 21, 2005
- Citation
- 0519914
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 0519914.
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 has granted service connection for recurrent lumbosacral strain, finding that the condition originated during active service and is directly related to a back injury sustained while in the military.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The appeal pertaining to the thoracic spine disability is remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for recurrent lumbosacral strain and DDD of the cervical spine due to inadequate examination findings regarding flare-ups, requiring additional retrospective medical opinions.
- Denied
The Veteran's recurrent lumbosacral strain prior to November 21, 2016 is rated at 20 percent and denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's recurrent lumbosacral strain from November 21, 2016 is rated at 40 percent and denied a higher rating.
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