The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by painful motion on forward flexion to 70 degrees with a combined range of motion (CROM) of 200 degrees and no tenderness or muscle spasms, has been rated at 10 percent since the initial rating period. The Board found that this rating is appropriate given the Veteran's functional limitations but noted that he did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to additional loss of range of motion during flare-ups or use over time.
The deciding factor: The VA examination report showed that the Veteran’s low back disability manifested at a consistent level throughout the initial rating period, with no evidence of additional loss of range of motion during flare-ups or use over time. The Board found this to be inconsistent with the criteria for higher ratings under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc (DDD)/degenerative joint disease (DJD) and lumbar spinal stenosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19104170
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,500 · Granted: 29% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19104170.
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: Denied
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- Whole decision: Denied
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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