The Veteran's low back disability was evaluated at 20 percent prior to January 11, 1998. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for this period.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, which corresponds to a 20 percent evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes in the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 20, 2017
- Citation
- 1722814
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 1722814.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities other than PTSD. The Veteran's SMC claim was also denied as he did not meet the statutory criteria for housebound status.
- Denied
The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, including arthritis and malignant paraganglioma tumor of the sacrum. The current disabilities are not related to his military service.
- Granted
The Board has determined that service connection is granted for degenerative changes in the lumbar spine and osteoarthritis of the right knee, finding them at least as likely as not due to an in-service ship collision.
- Denied
The Veteran's SLE is rated at 60 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The claim for a TDIU was also denied as there were no indications of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.