The Veteran's low back disability has been rated at 10 percent since July 20, 2006. The VA found that the disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.
The deciding factor: VA determined that the Veteran’s lumbar strain with osteoarthritis did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees, nor was there unfavorable ankylosis. The combined range of motion was sufficient to warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 22, 2011
- Citation
- 1135666
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 1135666.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal of a proposed rating reduction for lumbar strain with osteoarthritis is dismissed because the August 2023 rating decision was not a final decision.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar strain with osteoarthritis is granted a 20 percent evaluation, but no higher. The evaluations for left knee osteochondritis dissecans and right knee chondromalacia are denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations in July 2018. The Veteran is also required to provide additional medical records.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for bilateral hearing loss and denied service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's lumbar strain with osteoarthritis rating was reduced to 10% effective May 1, 2016, but her claim for restoration of a 40% rating is pending.
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.