The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for low back strain, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the preexisting or revised rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed no unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine and limited range of motion during flare-ups. The veteran's disability was rated based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, which does not allow for a higher rating than 40 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 26, 2006
- Citation
- 0618659
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 0618659.
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 Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including erectile dysfunction, PTSD, depression, frequent urination, intermetatarsal neuroma right foot, left knee condition, right knee condition, low back strain, shoulder strain, and tinnitus, due to a failure to provide necessary examinations.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation.
- Denied
The Veteran's low back strain with pain and sacroiliitis with degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating prior to August 4, 2011 was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on the range of motion and other symptoms.
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