The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar muscle strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the veteran's lumbar muscle strain warranted an evaluation in excess of 20 percent or 40 percent under the revised criteria effective September 26, 2003.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar muscle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 12, 2005
- Citation
- 0533489
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 0533489.
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 Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome and lumbar muscle strain are granted service connection as they are related to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and requests for updated VA treatment records.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his death.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.