The Veteran's initial and current ratings for lumbar discectomy are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran did not have forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to less than 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis, which is required for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar discectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21029339
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 21029339.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there were errors in the development of the Veteran's claims prior to the February 2025 decision, and thus these cases are being remanded for further examination and consideration.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbar surgery did not necessitate at least one month of convalescence, and his employment history is contradictory. The Board has ordered additional development to address these issues.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected back disability, including post-laminectomy syndrome, spinal stenosis, and lumbar discectomy, is granted. A 40 percent rating for the back disability is also granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent since January 7, 2020. The rating was increased from a previous 10 percent.
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