Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with spondylosis and ankylosing spondylitis is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion was measured at 10 degrees on his most recent VA examination in July 2013, which does not meet the criteria for an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

Claimed conditions
lumbosacral strain with spondylosis and ankylosing spondylitis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
November 26, 2013
Citation
1339031

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 1339031.

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.

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.