The VA has determined that the veteran's low back strain with degenerative joint and disc disease warrants a rating of 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The evidence does not support an increase in the disability rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the veteran's lumbar spine motion and intervertebral disc syndrome do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher schedular rating under any applicable diagnostic code, including those related to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and lumbosacral strain. The combined range of motion does not exceed 120 degrees, which is below the threshold required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain, Degenerative Joint Disease, Degenerative Disc Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 18, 2006
- Citation
- 0614494
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,419 · Granted: 21% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0614494.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's hearing loss and low back strain claims are remanded for further evaluation. The hearing loss claim is denied, while the low back strain claim requires additional examination to determine its severity.
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The Veteran's TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance claims have been granted effective from November 23, 2019.,The Board has also remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for his lumbar and cervical spine conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and requires an additional VA examination for the Veteran's back disability.
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