The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for chronic lumbar strain prior to December 10, 2019 and since that date was denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms were found to be within the range contemplated by the current 10 percent disability ratings, with no findings of muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Lumbar Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20075059
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to obtain or perform substantially gainful employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic lumbar strain was denied, but he was granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during the past 12 months.
- Denied
The veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is not due to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder, and he is not permanently housebound by reason of his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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