The Veteran's lumbar spine disability with arthritis was manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine that was limited to greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, without ankylosis or associated objective neurologic abnormalities. The Board found no evidence supporting a higher rating and denied the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or associated objective neurologic abnormalities. The Board found no evidence supporting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine disability with arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19145282
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
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