The Board found that the veteran's low back strain disability, primarily manifested by degenerative disc disease resulting in limited motion and pain, did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating than 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports and outpatient treatment records showed no evidence of ankylosis, favorable flexion to at least 30 degrees, incapacitating episodes, or significant neurologic deficits that would warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- low back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 11, 2008
- Citation
- 0819334
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 0819334.
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.
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The Veteran withdrew all his appeals, including the one for an increased rating for low back strain.
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- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a low back strain has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, and low back disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.
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