The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis and strain due to the lack of evidence showing forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees or less; or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as there was no evidence of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees or less; or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 15, 2019
- Citation
- 19178496
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, right hip degenerative joint disease and rheumatoid arthritis with acetabular cyst status post right total hip replacement, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, hypertension, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, fever sores, and a compromised immune system, as the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal to reopen the previous denial of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as the benefit sought has been fully granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis based on the Veteran's in-service back injury and chronicity of symptoms.
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.