The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 20 percent rating for the period prior to August 17, 2018 and a 40 percent rating thereafter.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations indicated that forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was limited to between 30 and 60 degrees due to pain. The Veteran's symptoms included stiffness in the morning, daily aching pain affecting walking, standing, and sitting, difficulty putting on shoes, and problems getting out of bed.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20041947
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 20041947.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar disorder, diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis and L3-L4 disc herniation status post hemilaminectomy (s/p) right L3-4 hemilaminectomy with diskectomy. The Board found that there is sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the Veteran's current disability and his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and the need for clarification of the Veteran's service periods. The Veteran is diagnosed with lumbosacral strain and lumbar spondylosis, and the claim will be reconsidered based on new evidence.
- Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of August 14, 2024 for the award of a 40 percent rating for service-connected chronic compression fracture at T7 with lumbar spondylosis and thoracolumbar strain.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for diabetes, right hip condition, and an effective date for the increased rating of lumbar spondylosis.
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