The Board denied an increased disability rating for a low back condition, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being less than 30 degrees or unfavorable ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran had forward flexion of the lumbar spine over 30 degrees, which is consistent with a rating of 20 percent. From June 5, 2013, his symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20034760
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 20034760.
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 Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and right shoulder rotator cuff strain, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a low back condition and an acquired psychiatric disability are dismissed as procedural defects due to the overlapping nature of the appeals.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right hip condition, finding that the Veteran's back pain is aggravated by his right hip surgery.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, finding that it was incurred during active duty.
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