The Veteran's back disability, including lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, and intervertebral disc syndrome, was rated at 40% prior to October 10, 2019. The claim for a higher rating is denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examination did not find any incapacitating episodes or other symptoms that would warrant an increased rating under the criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20074502
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 Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's low back injury occurred during a period of active duty for training (ADT) and continued therefrom.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for right leg sciatica with radiculopathy pain and paresthesia, but denied increased ratings for PTSD, lumbosacral strain, left wrist limitation of motion with ganglion cyst, and service connection for headaches, unspecified. Several issues were remanded.
- Dismissed
The appeals for restoration of ratings and for a higher disability rating were dismissed as the April 2025 rating decision did not make final decisions on these issues.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a disability rating greater than 10 percent for tinnitus and a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, but granted a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.