The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 40 percent for over a decade, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis. The claim for service connection for left hand arthritis and TDIU is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been manifested by at least 20 degrees forward flexion, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis. The claim for service connection for left hand arthritis and TDIU is denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar disc disease with degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 14, 2013
- Citation
- 1319339
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1319339.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are reasonably shown to be of such nature and severity as to prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic low back pain, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected chronic low back pain and lumbar disc disease with degenerative arthritis are rated at 40 percent, effective from the date of the decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination findings and issues related to radiculopathy and lumbar spine disability.
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