The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was found to be manifested by forward flexion greater than 60 degrees and a combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees, without muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour. The Board determined that the criteria for higher ratings were not met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for increased ratings under the General Rating Formula due to lack of additional functional loss and no evidence of incapacitating episodes as required by the IVDS Rating Formula.
- 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
- January 25, 2018
- Citation
- 1805204
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 1805204.
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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