The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for low back strain and IVDS was granted, but the effective date of the rating was changed. The Board denied higher initial ratings for the disability.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show that the Veteran’s symptoms more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher schedular rating at any point during the pendency of the appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Strain with IVDS
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20068534
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's back scar is not considered for a compensable rating.,Effective from December 25, 2013, the Veteran received increased ratings of 40 percent for low back strain with IVDS and 20 percent each for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,TDIU was granted prior to April 29, 2015, and from August 1, 2015.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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