The VA has determined that the Veteran's low back strain with DDD does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent since May 11, 2006.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it failed to show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 120 degrees, nor was there muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait.
- Claimed conditions
- low back strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 25, 2011
- Citation
- 1127704
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 1127704.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of medical examination and an incomplete review of the claim. The Veteran's back disability needs to be evaluated for the period between March 7, 2011, and April 18, 2017.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for a higher rating for low back strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD) due to inadequate examination findings and further delay is required.
- Denied
The veteran's low back strain with DDD is currently rated at 40 percent, effective August 4, 1999. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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