The Veteran's lumbar disability was previously rated at 20 percent prior to April 22, 2019 and increased to 40 percent as of that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for either period.,For the period prior to April 22, 2019, the Veteran's disability was not shown by forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less; favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine; or intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's lumbar disability more nearly approximated unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, bulging disc, and narrowing of spinal canal
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20048147
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 20048147.
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).
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