The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected low back strain with degenerative disc disease at L-1, currently rated as 40 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis or additional functional loss due to pain, weakness, tenderness, or spasm. The veteran's disability was found to be manifested by severe restriction in range of motion and reports of pain.
- Claimed conditions
- low back strain, degenerative disc disease at L-1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 16, 2006
- Citation
- 0617715
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 0617715.
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 service-connected disabilities render him unable to follow and secure substantially gainful employment, thus a total disability rating for individual unemployability is granted.
- Dismissed
The veteran withdrew the appeal for service connection for left knee patellar femoral syndrome, right knee patellar femoral syndrome, low back strain, and right hip bursitis.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, but granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including migraines, OSA, a neck condition, left ankle sprain, low back strain, bilateral foot and knee conditions, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, and bilateral hearing loss, as VA failed to provide adequate examinations.
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