The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to November 15, 2011 and remains at that level after March 1, 2012. The current rating is not sufficient for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s thoracolumbar spine flexion is limited to 40 degrees with pain, which does not meet the criteria for an increased rating as it does not result in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine (low back) disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 1, 2017
- Citation
- 1719320
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 1719320.
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 claims for service connection and initial rating due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and readjudication due to his failure to appear at a previously scheduled hearing, incomplete medical records, and other procedural issues.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a 20% rating for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy beginning March 31, 2020. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability remains rated at 40%. There is no higher rating available for the low back disability.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a higher rating for the service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and denied service connection for left wrist, right wrist, and right knee disorders.
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