The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine, was characterized by constant pain and limited range of motion. The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion of less than 30 degrees or ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not show limitation of motion to 30 degrees or more, nor was there evidence of ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20048653
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 20048653.
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: Denied
The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine, is currently rated at 20 percent and not higher due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion less than 30 degrees or ankylosis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his low back disability and TDIU are remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous Board directives.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated evidence and determine if a higher rating is warranted, as well as to address his TDIU claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure compliance with previous remands for additional development related to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine and TDIU claims.
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