The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for chronic low back strain with degenerative disc disease was denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms and range of motion.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's disability warranted a rating in excess of 20 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under VA's musculoskeletal system rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic low back strain with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2024
- Citation
- 24005546
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 24005546.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA examinations and addendum opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected knee and back disabilities, as well as the qualifications of the November 2023 examiner.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected chronic low back strain with degenerative disc disease and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 21, 2017. The remand includes requests for additional VA examinations and for obtaining private treatment records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and he has been granted a TDIU. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his back disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee and low back disabilities due to insufficient medical evidence on file regarding functional loss during flare-ups.
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