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.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 85 degrees, which falls within the range considered normal under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. There is no evidence of ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Strain, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Sacroiliitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20081087
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 claims for increased ratings and SMC were denied. The left knee disability, including instability with DJD and painful motion, was rated at 30 percent since 1946. A separate 10 percent rating was granted for painful motion of the left knee. Prior to December 30, 2019, a noncompensable rating was assigned for left knee scarring; from that date onwards, a 10 percent rating was granted.
- Denied
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.
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