The Veteran's claim for an increased rating prior to August 4, 2011 was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on the range of motion and other symptoms.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran’s lumbar spine had limited flexion but no significant ankylosis or arthritis, which did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Strain, Herniation, Laminectomy L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20080229
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including erectile dysfunction, PTSD, depression, frequent urination, intermetatarsal neuroma right foot, left knee condition, right knee condition, low back strain, shoulder strain, and tinnitus, due to a failure to provide necessary examinations.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation.
- Denied
The Veteran's low back strain with pain and sacroiliitis with degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the grant of TDIU. The noninitial MDD rating claim is remanded for further examination.
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