The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his lumbar spine strain were denied. For the period prior to February 11, 2020, he was not entitled to a rating higher than 10 percent. Since February 11, 2020, he has been rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine strain did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule due to insufficient range of motion and lack of ankylosis or other disabling conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21028169
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 21028169.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of functional impairment. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if any service-connected disability results in loss of use of both lower extremities, one lower extremity and one upper extremity, or residuals affecting balance and propulsion.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in gainful employment as of January 1, 2019. The Board granted a TDIU effective from that date.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the reduction in disability rating for lumbar spine strain from 40% to 20% was improper and has granted a restoration of a 40% rating. The claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD remains pending.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted an increased rating to 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine strain with IVDS and degenerative arthritis, finding that his forward flexion during flare-ups closely approximates 60 degrees.
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