The Veteran's lumbar spine osteoarthritis is rated at 40 percent effective September 14, 2017. Ratings for left and right lower extremity numbness and weakness remain denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees on September 14, 2017, meeting the criteria for a 40 percent rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The neurological manifestations were not shown or alleged at any time.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine osteoarthritis, left lower extremity numbness and weakness, right lower extremity numbness and weakness
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18133114
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 18133114.
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 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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