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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1319339.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole 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.
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.