The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 40 percent from September 26, 2012 to December 20, 2022.,A higher evaluation in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's low back disability from December 20, 2022 is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine at any point during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 7, 2023
- Citation
- 23021561
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 23021561.
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 Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination that did not discount the beneficial effects of the Veteran's pain medications on his disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted a disability rating of 40 percent, effective May 23, 2017.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic back condition in service or continuous symptoms since service. The claimant is not entitled to a TDIU as well.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability is granted a 30 percent rating for the entire appeal period, and his right foot condition is denied service connection.
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