The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective August 16, 2017. The rating remains unchanged as the evidence does not meet criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence shows that the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability has been manifested by forward flexion to 100 degrees and other normal ranges of motion, without any incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis. The current rating adequately reflects these findings.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative changes, disc space narrowing, stenosis, laminectomy, discectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19170403
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 19170403.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with bulging disc L4-5 with decreased range of motion of the lumbosacral spine was dismissed. The Board also remanded her service connection claim for disc space narrowing and degenerative endplate spurring at C6/C7.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of his claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to a grant in October 2025. The back condition claim is granted with a 30% evaluation effective September 22, 2016.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.