The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially granted and rated at 10% from September 1, 2005 to January 27, 2019. From March 1, 2019 onwards, the rating was increased to 20%. The claim remains on appeal for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability met the criteria for a 20% rating from September 1, 2005 to January 27, 2019 and a 20% rating thereafter based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease, Spinal stenosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20052636
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 20052636.
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease prior to August 1, 2025 was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to March 10, 2025 were denied as there is no neurological impairment associated with these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology since service and concluding that his current disabilities are more likely related to an in-service injury than to his military service.
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