The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine is rated at 20 percent for the period from March 10, 2017 to October 18, 2019. For the period beginning October 18, 2019, a higher rating than 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion testing showed forward flexion up to 60 degrees and combined range-of-motion testing up to 135 degrees during his October 2019 VA examination, which was considered in isolation would warrant a 20 percent rating. However, repetitive use over time and flare-ups caused the Veteran's forward flexion to degrade by roughly one-third and his combined range of motion degrades by roughly one-half.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 28, 2023
- Citation
- 23062859
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 23062859.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, right ankle degenerative arthritis, and left ankle degenerative arthritis.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 50 percent effective February 13, 2021. His left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 80 percent from April 21, 2013 to February 12, 2021. The Veteran's TDIU claim has an earlier effective date of April 21, 2013.
- Granted
The Veteran's back condition is granted an increased disability rating of 40 percent, but no higher. The claims for service connection for LLE and RLE radiculopathies are remanded.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities on a direct basis, finding that these conditions began during active service.
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