The Veteran's low back strain is denied as not meeting the criteria for a higher evaluation.,A 10 percent evaluation was granted for scar, dorsal aspect of the left big toe prior to May 11, 2016. From May 11, 2016, through July 18, 2016, and from July 19, 2016, a 20 percent evaluation was granted.,From July 19, 2016, the Veteran's scar is rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The low back strain did not manifest by incapacitating episodes, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, or its functional equivalent.,Prior to May 11, 2016, the scar was painful but not unstable. From May 11, 2016, through July 18, 2016, and from July 19, 2016, the scar was both painful and unstable.,From July 19, 2016, the scar had healed and was no longer unstable.
- Claimed conditions
- low back strain, osteoarthritis of the left foot, osteoarthritis of the right foot, scar, dorsal aspect of the left big toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18102446
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 18102446.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew all his appeals, including the one for an increased rating for low back strain.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for athletes' foot, low back strain, and plantar fasciitis due to a lack of a VA examination prior to the August 2020 rating decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a low back strain has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, and low back disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.
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