The Veteran's low back disorder is not manifested by muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour, and the examination findings do not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not demonstrate any additional functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigue, or lack of endurance that would warrant a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 3, 2012
- Citation
- 1226929
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 1226929.
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 his appeal for increased rating claims for lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities, so the case is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spondylosis and other conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and irritable bowel syndrome, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
Your appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of your appeal.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran requested to withdraw all pending appeals due to his current 100% P&T status effective June 20, 2024.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.