The Veteran's lower back strain has been rated at 10 percent since March 19, 2011. The Board found that the disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in forward flexion limited to 60 degrees or less, a combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating as it did not result in forward flexion limited to 60 degrees or less, a combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20034159
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 20034159.
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: 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: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hammer toe, left hammer toe, lower back strain, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) as there is no persuasive evidence of current diagnoses of these conditions during the pendency of the claim or approximate to its initiation.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for lower back strain, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, service connection for hearing loss in the left ear, and obstructive sleep apnea have been dismissed.,An increased rating of 40 percent, but not higher, has been granted for chronic urinary tract infection to include urge incontinence (previously claimed as frequent urination) from October 15, 2018.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues except left and right knee disabilities have been dismissed due to untimely filing. The Board has not considered the evidence regarding these claims as they are outside of their jurisdiction.
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.