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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1629158.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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