The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, as evaluated at 20 percent, did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed no more than moderate intervertebral disc syndrome with recurrent attacks with intermittent relief. The disability was productive of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, which did not meet criteria for higher ratings under relevant VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease, L5-S1 spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis, Chronic lower back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 6, 2006
- Citation
- 0606327
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.
- Denied
The appeal for an increased rating for left hip, the claims for entitlement to an earlier effective date and an increased rating for right knee strain, and the appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for left shoulder strain were dismissed. The claim for a 40 percent rating from June 24, 2021 for degenerative disc disease was granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a lumbar spine disability as secondary to a cervical spine disability due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a higher initial rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and scoliosis, but remanded the other issues.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease, effective November 21, 2022.
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