The Veteran's residuals of status post lumbar laminectomy prior to August 16, 2017 were rated at 10 percent and the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence showed forward flexion limited to 70 degrees with combined range of motion of 200 degrees, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative changes, disc space narrowing, stenosis, laminectomy, discectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21013166
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 21013166.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with bulging disc L4-5 with decreased range of motion of the lumbosacral spine was dismissed. The Board also remanded her service connection claim for disc space narrowing and degenerative endplate spurring at C6/C7.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of his claims.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to a grant in October 2025. The back condition claim is granted with a 30% evaluation effective September 22, 2016.
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