The Veteran's service-connected low back disability was not shown to meet the criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent prior to May 9, 2011.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes of disc disease having a total duration of at least 4 weeks during a 12 month period.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Changes of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1720413
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 1720413.
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: Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the Veteran's MDD and lumbar spine disability ratings, as well as his TDIU eligibility. The Veteran's claims are now effective as of March 15, 2012.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent, effective December 22, 2011. A TDIU based solely on the service-connected lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities is granted since January 15, 2010. Effective December 22, 2011, SMC at the 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) rate is granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are granted. The rating assigned is 10%.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.
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