The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbar strain is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not have ankylosis of the spine.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records show the Veteran has forward flexion to 30 degrees or less with additional functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigue, and lack of endurance. However, there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 4, 2020
- Citation
- 20051649
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 20051649.
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: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals pertaining to effective dates for increased ratings of chronic lumbar strain and LLE radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran did not properly opt into the AMA system.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 20 percent for chronic lumbar strain, and denied other claims.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied entitlement to a TDIU prior to April 3, 2014, as the evidence did not show that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected back conditions, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The effective date for the award of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy is also being remanded.
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