Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The veteran's low back disability has been manifested by moderate limitation of motion, but no more than severe limitation of motion, severe lumbosacral strain, incapacitating episodes, or separately ratable neurological impairment. The rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted.

The deciding factor: The veteran's range of motion was limited to 30 degrees flexion and extension with pain, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5292 (lumbosacral strain) or 5243 (intervertebral disc syndrome).

Claimed conditions
Low back disability including degenerative disc disease
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
June 13, 2007
Citation
0717638

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 0717638.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.