The Veteran's chronic low back strain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied as there were no indications of unemployability due to service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran’s forward flexion was limited to 30 degrees or less, or that he had ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Board found that the Veteran's reported flare-ups were contemplated by a 20 percent rating and denied higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic low back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20072499
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.
- Dismissed
The veteran withdrew the appeal for effective dates prior to September 27, 2024, for the awards of service connection for various knee and back conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from April 29, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for a lower back disability and remanded claims for a higher rating, TDIU, and extraschedular consideration.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating and earlier effective date of service connection for his back disability was partially granted, with a 40 percent disability rating assigned from May 10, 2010. The claim for an earlier effective date was denied.
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