The veteran's low back disability, characterized by pain and mild neurological deficits, has been rated at 20 percent since October 2002. The current rating is based on moderate limitation of motion without severe impairment.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as the functional loss due to pain and muscle spasms has already been considered in the currently assigned 20 percent rating, which reflects moderate limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with T11-T12 disc protrusion and an angular tear of the L5-S1 vertebrae
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2006
- Citation
- 0638841
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 0638841.
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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