The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar herniated disc and spondylosis, finding that his disability did not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s low back disability was rated at 20 percent since August 1, 2010. The Board found that his forward flexion of the lumbar spine was to 90 degrees during flare-ups and did not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar herniated disc, spondylosis (low back disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 1, 2019
- Citation
- 19175660
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,977 · Granted: 27% (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 19175660.
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: Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities effective January 3, 2014.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates, higher ratings, and service connection due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to her military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's low back pain and lumbar herniated disc are granted service connection. The respiratory disability (claimed as chronic cough), allergic rhinitis, and headache disability claims are remanded for further development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula.
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