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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1722814.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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