The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected lumbar syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other functional impairment.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records do not demonstrate forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, nor does there is ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran's disability was rated under Diagnostic Code 5237 for limitation of motion, which did not warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 27, 2021
- Citation
- 21004586
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 21004586.
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 Board has dismissed all claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates related to the Veteran's left knee disability, lumbar syndrome, LUE radiculopathy, and LLE radiculopathy due to improper docketing as AMA appeals.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar syndrome, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbar syndrome is being remanded for further examination and consideration of updated treatment records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and opinions regarding his right hip disorder, left knee, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities. The claims are not yet decided.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.