The Veteran's arthritis of the lumbosacral spine has been rated at 20 percent since February 7, 2005. The Board finds that his disability does not warrant a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for a 40 percent evaluation based on limitation of motion or unfavorable ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's arthritis of the lumbosacral spine has been rated at 20 percent since February 7, 2005. The VA examination and treatment records do not show any forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, nor does there exist unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1756719
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 1756719.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability. However, these issues are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.
- Dismissed
The appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed due to the appellant's death.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and TDIU prior to July 2, 2008. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claim that his current low back disability was related to service.
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