The Veteran's service-connected back disability was rated at 20 percent from June 1, 2006 until June 28, 2016. The rating was denied as the condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability did not manifest as limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes during this period.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis, spinal compression, cauda equina syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20064684
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, degenerative arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension was dismissed due to non-compliance with claims processing rules.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher rating in excess of the current ratings for various musculoskeletal conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a compensable evaluation for hypertension and granted an increased rating of 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease from April 13, 2022. The effective date for the right lower extremity radiculopathy was also granted as May 10, 2016.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 20, 2018, for the award of service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.