The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lower back injury was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms, while painful and limiting, did not meet the criteria for more severe lumbosacral strain or intervertebral disc syndrome requiring additional ratings based on incapacitating episodes or neurological manifestations.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a lower back injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 5, 2007
- Citation
- 0738160
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0738160.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lower back injury, upper back injury, and aggravated left knee injury due to errors in duty to assist. The AOJ is required to verify any periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INADUTRA), obtain service treatment records, and schedule VA medical examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and as a result, the Veteran's lay statements regarding his back condition will be considered.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including GERD, neck injury, right knee injury, left knee injury, shrapnel wound to the lower left leg, right ankle injury, left ankle injury, RLE neuropathy, and lower back injury.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of various injuries due to procedural issues with the appeal process.
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