The Veteran's service-connected low back sprain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current disability level.
The deciding factor: The VA General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine does not warrant a higher rating as the evidence shows forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, which is within the range that would support a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 26, 2013
- Citation
- 1320626
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 1320626.
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 cases for further development and examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, low back sprain, and bilateral pes planus.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 10 percent initial rating for the Veteran's service-connected low back sprain prior to January 10, 2017. The appeal is denied for any higher ratings or additional separate compensable ratings.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's low back sprain preexisted service and was not aggravated by service. The degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine status post laminectomy with spinal stenosis is not related to service, and scoliosis is related to service. The right leg disability is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disease or injury.
- Granted
The Board granted an increased disability rating of 10 percent for low back sprain and a 30 percent disability rating for bilateral pes planus, effective from the date of the decision.
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.