The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current limitation of motion and functional impairment.
The deciding factor: The Board concluded that the Veteran's back disability was limited to flexion of 50 degrees when accounting for pain, which met the criteria for the currently assigned 20 percent rating. There was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or other factors warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 7, 2024
- Citation
- A24073002
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 case for further development, including obtaining new medical opinions and examination reports to address the issues of service connection and increased ratings.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal to reopen the previous denial of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as the benefit sought has been fully granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and TDIU due to missing records.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.