The veteran's low back strain and degenerative joint disease of lumbar spine with arthritis is currently rated at 40 percent, the highest schedular rating available under current criteria. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The veteran's disability picture does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation as his forward flexion remains within normal limits and he has no unfavorable ankylosis of the spine.
- Claimed conditions
- low back strain, degenerative joint disease of lumbar spine with arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 26, 2006
- Citation
- 0618778
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 0618778.
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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- Remanded (sent back)
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