The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes was denied, as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The claims for service connection of cervical spine and left arm/shoulder disabilities were also denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability manifested by flexion to at least 30 degrees, which is within the range required for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on incapacitating episodes or neurological manifestations.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes, cervical spine disability, left arm/shoulder disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 27, 2011
- Citation
- 1127953
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 1127953.
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 Board denied the claims of service connection for cervical spine and skin rash disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to active military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for miscarriage, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and right elbow disability due to insufficient examination opinions and incomplete service history verification.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to a predecisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's past medical history needs to be considered in the new examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and cervical spine disability due to potential service connection issues related to obesity, service-connected disabilities, and other factors.
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