The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected chronic back strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD). The Veteran was previously granted a 20 percent rating effective July 7, 2015. The Board found that prior to this date, her disability warranted only a 20 percent rating based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees and muscle spasms resulting in an abnormal gait.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner noted no evidence of additional limitation due to pain, weakness, fatigue, lack of endurance after repetitive motion, incoordination or flare-ups. The Veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Back Strain with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 6, 2017
- Citation
- 1756284
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 1756284.
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).
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