The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back strain with levoscoliosis does not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of this level.
The deciding factor: The veteran’s disability is characterized by constant pain, slight muscle spasm, and stiffness occurring in the morning. Objective evidence of pain on motion was noted but no weakness, incoordination, fatigue, or lack of endurance was observed during examination. His range of motion does not meet the criteria for an evaluation higher than 40 percent under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Strain with Levoscoliosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 5, 2006
- Citation
- 0616357
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 0616357.
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
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