The Veteran's low back strain with degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 20 percent, and the right and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with it are both rated at 40 percent. The Board found that these ratings were appropriate based on the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the conditions as there was no indication of unfavorable ankylosis or severe radicular symptoms in either lower extremity.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2018
- Citation
- 1817018
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 1817018.
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 remanded the claims for additional examinations and opinions to address the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically regarding his low back strain with degenerative joint disease, cervical spine condition, left clavicle fracture, and other symptoms. The issues are related to determining appropriate disability ratings based on the severity of these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent from May 13, 2008. The Board found that the condition more closely approximated forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, warranting a 20 percent rating. However, ankylosis was not present, thus preventing a higher rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for low back strain with degenerative joint disease and TDIU were denied due to his failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations without showing good cause.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating for low back strain with degenerative joint disease, as his flexion remained above 30 degrees throughout the appeal period. For TDIU, the combined rating of 60% from service-connected disabilities met the threshold criteria but the Veteran was deemed unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.