The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since March 21, 2023. The rating will remain denied as the evidence does not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.
The deciding factor: The March 2023 VA examination showed forward flexion limited to 15 degrees and no signs of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS in the past year.
- Claimed conditions
- coccyx fracture, low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 26, 2023
- Citation
- 23067558
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 23067558.
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.
- Granted
The claim for service connection of a low back disability was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim is denied as there is no evidence that the current condition is related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for heart disease, hypertension, kidney disease, and low back pain due to potential errors in duty to assist. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicide agents and obtain private treatment records.
- Denied
The Board denied the appellant's request for direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in an August 2024 rating decision, as the decision was not a result of a valid appeal and did not address all issues raised.
- Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of February 26, 2011 for the award of service connection for low back pain with left sacroiliac dysfunction based on new evidence received after a final denial.
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