The Veteran's lumbosacral disc bulging and chronic back strain have not resulted in the required range of motion or other criteria for a higher rating, so his initial claim for an increased rating is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule due to lack of forward flexion limited to 60 degrees or less and insufficient range of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral disc bulging, chronic back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 18, 2011
- Citation
- 1101961
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 1101961.
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.
- Dismissed
Your appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a back disability, diagnosed as chronic back strain, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to an injury sustained during her active military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral dry eye syndrome was granted, while the claims for increased ratings for chronic back strain, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome, and right eye pterygium were remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for chronic back strain, idiopathic structure scoliosis is granted. The Board has determined that a VA examination should be scheduled to determine if the Veteran's preexisting condition was aggravated during service or directly related to service.
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.