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 assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21061903
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,092 · Granted: 42% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21061903.
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 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.
- Dismissed
The appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed due to the appellant's death.
- 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.
- 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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