The Veteran's low back disability was not shown to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to October 14, 2011 and/or in excess of 20 percent from that date.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, nor was there evidence of ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran's symptoms fell within the parameters for the 20 percent rating assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 10, 2014
- Citation
- 1431057
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 1431057.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's back brace, used to treat her service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative changes, caused wear and tear on her clothing. Her application for a 2014 annual clothing allowance was timely submitted, and the Board granted the claim.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar strain with degenerative changes has been denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 40 percent for this condition, effective August 22, 2016.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative changes and right knee condition are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.
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