The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for his service-connected osteoporosis of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that from April 11, 2011 to September 17, 2015, the Veteran's condition met a 20 percent rating based on limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back condition resulted in limited forward flexion with pain and associated functional limitations, meeting the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoporosis of the lumbar spine, ostopenia of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 14, 2022
- Citation
- 22008359
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 22008359.
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 decided to remand the issue of rating osteoporosis of the lumbar spine as it requires additional development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new examinations are needed for the Veteran's claims of osteoporosis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, right hip and femur, and left hip and femur due to potential inconsistencies in previous examination reports. The case is being remanded for these purposes.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck condition and increased ratings for osteoporosis of the lumbar spine are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.,An earlier effective date is also being remanded for service connection for osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and an increased rating for duodenal ulcer with GERD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for osteoporosis of multiple body parts due to new evidence showing degenerative changes in his bones. The case is being sent back for further examination and updated treatment records.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.