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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity neuropathy have been rated based on their service-connected nature. The Board found that the current ratings are appropriate as there is no evidence of ankylosis or unfavorable ankylosis, and the Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or Diagnostic Code 8526.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated based on limitation of motion. The current rating is at the highest available level (40%) due to her reduced range of motion, which corresponds to a 10% evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. For left lower extremity neuropathy, the Veteran's symptoms do not meet criteria for higher ratings as they are described as mild incomplete paralysis.

Claimed conditions
lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity neuropathy
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
July 11, 2017
Citation
1726424

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 1726424.

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

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