The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for low back disability was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the Veteran's low back disability, while painful and limiting his mobility, did not result in ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes of 6 weeks or more during any consecutive 12 month period. The range of motion studies were performed without additional loss due to pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Disc herniation at L4-5, Disc bulge at L5-S1, Facet degenerative disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 22, 2014
- Citation
- 1423439
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 1423439.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's back disability was manifested by painful motion and stiffness with thoracolumbar spine forward flexion of at worst 60 degrees, intermittent muscle spasms without abnormal gait or ankylosis. The VA examination findings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to August 31, 2006. From that date forward, the maximum schedular rating of 40 percent for severe limitation of motion of the thoracolumbar spine has been granted.
- Granted
The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were granted, with a rating of 60% assigned for his right knee disability (status post total right knee replacement).
- 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.
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.