The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to October 2, 2019 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability resulted in limited forward flexion (30 degrees) with no muscle spasm or guarding resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour. The examiner noted IVDS but no episodes of bed rest, which precluded a higher rating under the criteria for incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21042640
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 21042640.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
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