The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar degenerative arthritis was denied as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities was granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not result in ankylosis or flexion limited to 30 degrees, which are required for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula. The claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities was granted as the Veteran needed regular assistance with daily activities and protection from hazards.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative arthritis, degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 26, 2021
- Citation
- 21024747
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 21024747.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's rating for his right elbow condition from 10 percent to 20 percent effective May 5, 2025, finding that the evidence was in equipoise regarding whether there had been improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of January 13, 2020 for the service connection of low back disability and related radiculopathy issues. The Veteran's claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted in January 2020.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate medical opinions and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being returned to the RO for further action.
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