The veteran's low back strain with lumbago and annular tear at L4-5 and disc protrusion is currently rated 40 percent disabling.,Since November 30, 2005, the veteran has a separate 10 percent rating for objective neurological abnormality.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back strain with lumbago and annular tear at L4-5 and disc protrusion does not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes. However, since November 30, 2005, there is evidence of mild sensory involvement in the left lower extremity.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with lumbago, Annular tear at L4-5, Disc protrusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 29, 2008
- Citation
- 0807025
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 0807025.
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 decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current back disability and his service. The case will be returned for further development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his thoracolumbar spine disability was denied, and the reduction from 40 percent to 20 percent was upheld. The evidence did not support an increased rating based on forward flexion or favorable ankylosis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including associated neurological manifestations, is currently rated as 20 percent disabling from March 1, 2009, to March 27, 2018, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter. The Board has jurisdiction over the propriety of these ratings and effective dates.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's current back disability is etiologically linked to his active duty service.
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