The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for paravertebral muscle spasm, low back was denied. A 40 percent rating has been granted effective March 6, 2017 and December 4, 2018.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating as there was no unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes with a total duration of at least six weeks during the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- paravertebral muscle spasm, low back
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21000250
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21000250.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding the April 1, 2020 rating decision was dismissed because he did not timely file a VA Form 10182 and good cause has not been shown to extend the filing deadline.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there are duty to assist errors in the claims for service connection for left ankle, right ankle, bilateral feet, low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The claims must be remanded to correct these errors.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's service connection claims for low back, left hip, right hip, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity disabilities due to insufficient evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation. The claims are remanded for additional examinations and development.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims of service connection for hypertension, bilateral knee, bilateral shoulder, and low back are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
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