The VA denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for low back arthritis, finding that the veteran's condition is manifested by objective evidence of no more than moderate overall limitation of motion with complaints of pain. The RO considered all relevant evidence and determined that the current 20 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of the veteran's disability.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran's low back disability, characterized as chronic mechanical back strain, is manifested by objective evidence of no more than moderate overall limitation of motion with complaints of pain. There was no indication of severe flare-ups or other significant functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 19, 2006
- Citation
- 0621196
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 0621196.
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 Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection due to new and material evidence, and finds that his current low back arthritis and degenerative disc disease are related to his military service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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