The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was found to be greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, and the combined range of motion did not exceed 120 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5237.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21061903
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,092 · Granted: 42% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 21061903.
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 Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability. However, these issues are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed due to the appellant's death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and TDIU prior to July 2, 2008. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claim that his current low back disability was related to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's arthritis of the lumbosacral spine has been rated at 20 percent since February 7, 2005. The Board finds that his disability does not warrant a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for a 40 percent evaluation based on limitation of motion or unfavorable ankylosis.
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