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 assigned
- 20%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1719320.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection and initial rating due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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