The Veteran's service-connected lower back strain has been rated at 10 percent since November 8, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on additional functional loss due to pain or other factors. Radiculopathy associated with the lower back strain was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected lower back strain has been rated at 10 percent since November 8, 2009, and there is no evidence of additional functional loss that would warrant a higher rating under VA regulations. The Board found that the medical evidence did not support a separate rating for radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back strain, radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 13, 2017
- Citation
- 1701091
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 1701091.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for service-connected migraine headaches is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for SMC based on loss of use of both lower extremities is being remanded due to a failure to obtain relevant private medical records. The AOJ will consider these records when readjudicating the claim.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is denied as not meeting VA criteria for a disability.,The Veteran's left ACL tear, right ankle sprain, lower back strain, and right shoulder strain are all denied as not meeting VA criteria for a disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for neurological impairment of the right and left lower extremities, variously diagnosed as neuropathy and radiculopathy, which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability.
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