The Veteran's chronic lower back strain and thoracic arthritis have not met the criteria for a higher rating since January 30, 2015.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability has not shown any additional limitation of motion or neurological involvement that would warrant an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lower back strain, thoracic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 21, 2016
- Citation
- 1629158
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 1629158.
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 Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 40 percent to 20 percent for lumbar strain with thoracic arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome effective September 6, 2021 is proper based on evidence showing improvement in his back condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected dextroscoliosis with chronic lower back strain is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for further development.
- Granted
The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and he is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another. The issues regarding service connection for Parkinson’s disease and sleep apnea secondary to PTSD have not yet been adjudicated.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic lower back strain with mild degenerative disc disease was denied. The current disability level does not warrant an increased rating.
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