The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was found to be greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees, and his combined range of motion was also within this range. There were no findings indicating unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 12, 2017
- Citation
- 1716225
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 1716225.
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 remands the claim for an opinion as to the ameliorative effects of the Veteran's medication for his service-connected lumbar disability during the period on appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome to obtain additional evidence and address the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected back disability. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for clarification on whether the depression is aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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