The Veteran's service-connected back strain with history of minimal diffuse bulge at L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5 has been evaluated as 20 percent disabling. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed some limitation on motion but no findings of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis, incapacitating episodes over the past year, or associated neurological abnormalities. The Veteran's back strain did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable rating schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- Back strain with history of minimal diffuse bulge at L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 3, 2014
- Citation
- 1453339
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1453339.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's back strain with history of minimal diffuse bulge at L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5. The effective date is April 27, 2017.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected back strain.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected back strain with history of minimal diffuse bulge at L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5 has been rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board found that the disability does not warrant a higher rating due to lack of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, no findings of favorable ankylosis, incapacitating episodes over the past 12 months, or associated neurological abnormalities.
- Whole decision: 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.
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