The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to October 15, 2012. The appeal for higher ratings is denied as the evidence does not show that his symptoms more nearly approximate a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, which would be required for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula. The Veteran's disability picture is contemplated by the schedular criteria and no additional factors warrant an extraschedular evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with lumbar spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 9, 2016
- Citation
- 1631673
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 1631673.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions and evidence. The TDIU claim is also being reconsidered.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being remanded for an updated VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his condition.,The issue of service connection for peripheral radiculopathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities is being remanded due to inadequate previous VA examination results.,An additional medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of the Veteran's major depressive disorder, as well as whether it is aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded because there is evidence suggesting a link to military service or a service-connected disability.,A VA examination in conjunction with this claim is needed due to the Veteran's cervical spine disability possibly having been caused by his active service.,The Veteran's skin disability is being remanded for an additional VA examination and opinion regarding its etiology, given conflicting evidence from different medical professionals.,Service connection for high blood pressure is being remanded because it has not yet been adjudicated due to pending SSA benefits determination.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded as well.,Service connection for hypercholesterolemia is being remanded, with a request for additional evidence from Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding disability benefits.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for both issues prior to the Board's decision.
- Partly granted
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings, finding that his lumbar strain with lumbar spondylosis and degenerative arthritis of both knees did not warrant higher disability evaluations.
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