The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to September 20, 2016. From September 20, 2016 onwards, the rating is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not result in favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during the past 12 months, which are required for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5010-5243.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20029148
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 20029148.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
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