The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, does not warrant a rating higher than the currently assigned 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records do not support an increase in the current 10 percent evaluation due to the lack of incapacitating episodes or significant neurological impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 25, 2013
- Citation
- 1338811
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 1338811.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease is granted a 20% rating, effective January 30, 2017. The Veteran's surgical scar is also granted a 10% rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's GERD is related to his service-connected back disability, specifically the Motrin he was prescribed in 1998.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal for an extra-schedular rating for PTSD is denied. The issues of service connection for acid reflux and right shoulder strain are remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence of record.
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.