The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to July 13, 2018 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for a low back disorder was denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine or ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, and there was no IVDS present to warrant a separate rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Disorder, Lumbosacral Strain, Pars Defect with Disc Bulge and Herniation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 2, 2020
- Citation
- 20076794
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20076794.
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's appeals for higher ratings on several conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals.,The Board has not assigned a specific rating or effective date as the claims are being remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional error in the denial of the Veteran's request to change his vocational rehabilitation goal from diesel technology to obtaining a music degree. The case is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates set at October 18, 2023. The lumbosacral strain has also received a higher initial rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The reduction of the disability rating for headaches from 50% to 30% is not proper and is void ab initio. Effective dates are denied for various service connection claims.,Multiple issues related to initial disability ratings, effective dates, and earlier effective dates for higher ratings are remanded.
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