The Board has granted a disability evaluation of 40 percent for the veteran's service-connected chronic low back strain, which is currently manifested by no more than forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees.
The deciding factor: The most severe limitation of spinal motion was found during March 2004 VA examination, corresponding to a 40 percent evaluation under the applicable rating criteria for chronic low back strain.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic low back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 5, 2008
- Citation
- 0804069
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 0804069.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The veteran withdrew the appeal for effective dates prior to September 27, 2024, for the awards of service connection for various knee and back conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from April 29, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for a lower back disability and remanded claims for a higher rating, TDIU, and extraschedular consideration.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating and earlier effective date of service connection for his back disability was partially granted, with a 40 percent disability rating assigned from May 10, 2010. The claim for an earlier effective date was denied.
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.