The Veteran's low back injury with lumbosacral degenerative disc and joint diseases is currently rated at 20 percent, effective April 17, 2001. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss due to pain or other factors.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was 45 degrees with a total range of motion of 130 degrees, which is within the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. There were no findings indicating ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease with facet arthritis and spondylosis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 30, 2016
- Citation
- 1648547
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1648547.
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).
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