The Board found that the veteran's service-connected chronic low back syndrome did not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as it manifested by limited motion and ankylosis. From October 12, 2006, he was granted a separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were limited to forward flexion of the lumbar spine not less than 30 degrees and no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. However, from October 12, 2006, he exhibited L5 radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic low back syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 23, 2008
- Citation
- 0817144
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 0817144.
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 Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine condition is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable rating criteria. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her chronic low back syndrome was denied, and the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities other than PTSD was also denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including varicose veins, chronic low back syndrome, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, are of sufficient severity to preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are met.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his left and right knee disabilities, as well as his low back disability. The issues regarding increased ratings will be reconsidered based on the results of this examination.
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