The Veteran's service-connected lumbar muscle strain is currently rated at 20 percent, effective June 14, 2006. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted for the time period prior to June 14, 2006.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine from June 14, 2006, forward.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar muscle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 23, 2009
- Citation
- 0948388
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 0948388.
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: Granted
The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome and lumbar muscle strain are granted service connection as they are related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and requests for updated VA treatment records.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his death.
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