The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis, and thus did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of pain, flare-ups, and limitation of motion were considered, but they did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent as there was no evidence of incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 16, 2014
- Citation
- 1455387
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 1455387.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 10 percent prior to July 2, 2010 and has not met the criteria for higher ratings.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from January 3, 2007, to April 16, 2008. The evidence showed that the Veteran's service-connected conditions prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for back disability and increased rating for left knee disability prior to January 30, 2019. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of left total knee replacement from March 1, 2020 onwards is also remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his lower back disability and any associated radiculopathy.
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