The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine arthritis was denied. The VA examinations and treatment records do not show that the Veteran’s symptoms meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran's forward flexion, combined range of motion, or muscle spasm/severe guarding is limited to the levels required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19131846
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 19131846.
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 Board remands the matter for an opinion addressing the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine arthritis, without considering the beneficial effects of medication.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for cervical spine arthritis, lumbar spine arthritis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), seizure disorder, and erectile dysfunction has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine arthritis and degenerative disc disease, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbar spine arthritis and cervical spine arthritis to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether in-service physical activity caused these disabilities.
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