The Veteran's service-connected chronic low back strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that her symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they have never resulted in specific functional limitations required for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of chronic low back strain did not result in forward flexion to less than 85 degrees or a combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 230 degrees, which are necessary for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic low back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21068590
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 21068590.
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 withdrew the appeal for effective dates prior to September 27, 2024, for the awards of service connection for various knee and back conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from April 29, 2018.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for a lower back disability and remanded claims for a higher rating, TDIU, and extraschedular consideration.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating and earlier effective date of service connection for his back disability was partially granted, with a 40 percent disability rating assigned from May 10, 2010. The claim for an earlier effective date was denied.
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