The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her low back arthritis is denied, and the claims for increased ratings for her left and right knee disabilities are remanded.
The deciding factor: The VA examination did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, which would be required for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the low back
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 1, 2020
- Citation
- 20076164
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 20076164.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and remanded the claims for increased ratings of knee disabilities, ankle disabilities, heart disability, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by service. Claims for increased ratings of knee and ankle disabilities, heart disability, and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a low back condition as there was no evidence of arthritis to a compensable degree within one year of discharge, and the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's arthritis of the low back is currently rated at 20 percent, effective March 1, 2010. The rating remains granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to incomplete STRs and the need for further medical examination.
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