The Veteran's initial rating of 20 percent for the service-connected lumbar spine disability from May 29, 2015 is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability has been manifested by pain and limitation of forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, without ankylosis or incapacitating episodes requiring physician ordered bed rest having a total duration of at least four weeks during a 12-month period.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20010763
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 20010763.
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 has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the October 2025 remand directives and additional medical opinions discussing the ameliorative effects of medication related to the Veteran's lumbar spine, right shoulder, and headache disabilities must be obtained.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and readjudication.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher disability rating and TDIU due to the need for a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his limitations on walking, sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, and sleep disturbances.
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