The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine, is currently rated at 20 percent and not higher due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion less than 30 degrees or ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings did not show any limitation in range of motion that would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as well as no incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine, IVDS with radiculopathy of bilateral lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2022
- Citation
- 22015963
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 22015963.
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 claims for a higher rating for his low back disability and TDIU are remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous Board directives.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine, was characterized by constant pain and limited range of motion. The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion of less than 30 degrees or ankylosis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated evidence and determine if a higher rating is warranted, as well as to address his TDIU claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure compliance with previous remands for additional development related to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine and TDIU claims.
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