The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for her chronic lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for such a higher rating based on functional impairment due to pain and lack of ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence of favorable or unfavorable ankylosis, and the Veteran's forward flexion was consistently greater than 30 degrees even with consideration of repetitive use and flare-ups. The presence of IVDS did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21012468
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 21012468.
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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy in a May 2024 rating decision. The appellant is eligible to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded as a result of this decision.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for chronic lumbar spine and right ankle disabilities, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for a chronic right foot disability, a chronic lumbar spine disability, and a chronic right hip disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for the Veteran to submit a missing letter from her former chiropractor.
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