The veteran's low back strain with degenerative changes was rated at 10 percent from September 26, 2003 to March 16, 2005.,After March 17, 2005 (with the exception of May 18, 2005 to July 1, 2005), the veteran's low back strain with degenerative changes was rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 or 20 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 20, 2006
- Citation
- 0632696
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 0632696.
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 has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases for denying a rating in excess of 40 percent, and to reconsider the Veteran's assertions regarding a separate rating for opioid-induced constipation.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back strain with degenerative changes is not productive of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine that is 30 degrees or less or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, and a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.
- Granted
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- 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.
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