The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the current manifestations of his condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 60 degrees or less, nor did it demonstrate muscle spasm, guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour. The Veteran's disability was rated based on its current manifestations and did not meet the criteria for ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 9, 2018
- Citation
- 1808615
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 1808615.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional development of the record, including a thorough examination of his lumbar spine disability.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability, including lumbar spine osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis L3 - L5, and grade 1 L4 on L5 spondylolisthesis. The decision is based on continuity of symptomatology since service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the failure to obtain relevant Social Security Administration (SSA) records prior to the July 2020 rating decision.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine osteoarthritis and scoliosis have been granted a rating of 40 percent effective as of June 16, 2010.
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