The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine posterior facet degenerative changes, finding that the evidence did not support an increased rating beyond 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed limited forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine but no limitation to 30 degrees or less, and there was no persuasive evidence of favorable ankylosis. The Veteran's lay statements were outweighed by the objective findings from the VA examiners.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine posterior facet degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23059683
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 23059683.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board has denied a higher initial evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine posterior facet degenerative changes, finding that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine posterior facet degenerative changes is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of additional evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating and a rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine posterior facet degenerative changes due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Granted
The Veteran's back condition is granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent prior to February 13, 2020. A rating in excess of 20 percent for the same condition from February 13, 2020 is denied.
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