The Veteran's service-connected low back pain has been manifested by chronic, persistent low back pain with radiculopathic symptoms radiating down her right lower extremity and foot. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine is affected by degenerative changes as evidenced by imaging studies, with limitation of forward flexion to greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees, a combined range of motion of greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees on repetitive motion testing (factoring in functional loss due to pain), and muscle spasm that does not alter her gait. There is no neurological impairment or incapacitating episodes associated with the radiculopathic component of her low back disability. The criteria for a higher evaluation have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine has degenerative changes, but her range of motion and other functional limitations do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 16, 2013
- Citation
- 1329660
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 1329660.
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
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back condition is related to his service-connected left knee replacement residuals and grants service connection for this secondary condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for treatment purposes only under 38 USC Chapter 17 for a disability of the spine and migraine headaches, as there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of low back pain due to a motor vehicle accident during service. The Veteran's lay statements and a buddy statement support his assertion that his back pain began after the 1982 motor vehicle accident. However, both VA examiners provided opinions that were inadequate as they did not consider these statements.
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