The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his lumbosacral strain with disc displacement and spondylosis was denied. The rating of 10 percent prior to September 5, 2013 is maintained, while the claims for increased ratings from December 1, 2013 to November 26, 2014 (20 percent) and as of December 16, 2019 (40 percent) were denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's forward flexion was limited to between 30 and 60 degrees or that he had muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour. The Veteran also did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with disc displacement and spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20063280
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 20063280.
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.
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