The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected chronic recurrent low back strain, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptomatology.
The deciding factor: The VA found no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome, which are necessary for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic recurrent low back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 28, 2006
- Citation
- 0608942
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The case is remanded for additional development and adjudication of the issues of entitlement to service connection for lumbar disc disease and a rating in excess of 40 percent for chronic recurrent low back strain.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining all available VA medical records and providing an opinion regarding whether intervertebral disc syndrome or any present neurologic symptoms are related to or have been aggravated by his service-connected chronic recurrent low back strain.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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