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.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s range of motion and symptoms did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lower back strain, mild degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2018
- Citation
- 18157392
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 18157392.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for right and left knee conditions, as well as mild degenerative disc disease due to the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding causation.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disabilities, including IVDS and degenerative disc disease, are rated at 20 percent. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disability, which is presumed to be related to service.
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