The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that his lumbar spine did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to limitations in range of motion and lack of ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion did not limit to 30 degrees, nor did it result in favorable ankylosis or functional limitation equivalent to ankylosis. Incapacitating episodes were also noted as not being present within the year preceding the increased rating claim.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine, left knee pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 27, 2021
- Citation
- 21025170
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 21025170.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The claims for service connection for hypertension, back pain, right hip pain, left hip pain, right knee pain, and left knee pain have been readjudicated. The claim for sleep apnea has also been readjudicated.,Service connection has been granted for a neck condition, back pain, right hip pain, left hip pain, right knee pain, left knee pain, an acquired psychiatric disorder, bruxism, and vertigo.
- Dismissed
The appeal for left arm condition is dismissed. The Veteran's claims for right knee disability, headaches, left elbow pain, and left knee pain are all granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates ranging from January 1, 2016 to October 30, 2014. The appeal for an earlier effective date for a 20% rating for left lower extremity neuropathy has been dismissed.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.
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