The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disorder warrants a disability rating of 40 percent, effective from February 11, 2005. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether his pain-free forward flexion exceeded 30 degrees, but he does not meet the criteria for ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disorder has been rated at 40 percent since February 11, 2005. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether his pain-free forward flexion exceeded 30 degrees, but he does not meet the criteria for ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 14, 2014
- Citation
- 1436514
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 1436514.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 claims for service connection for lower back, right hip, and right ankle disorders as secondary to his left knee disorder. The AOJ must obtain VA examinations and provide answers to questions regarding the etiology of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left leg shin splints and lower back disorder due to new evidence received by the Veteran. The VA will conduct further examinations and consider any additional evidence before making a decision.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disorder. The case will be returned for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for a lower back disorder, finding that the preexisting spondylolisthesis did not increase in severity during active duty and was not aggravated by service.
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