The veteran's lower spine disorder is currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling, but the Board finds that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted based on moderate recurring attacks and slight to moderate limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbar spine disorder does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic code due to lack of additional loss of function, ankylosis, or associated neurological disabilities that would warrant separate compensable evaluations.
- Claimed conditions
- lower spine disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 28, 2008
- Citation
- 0806873
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0806873.
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: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lower spine disorder, prostate disorder, and heart disorder were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lower spine disorder rendered him unemployable between May 3, 1977 and August 31, 1994.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for a left knee disorder and lower spine disorder, finding that both conditions are related to the veteran's service-connected right ankle disorder.
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