The Veteran's initial rating for low back disability was denied, and the effective date of service connection was also denied. The VA determined that a higher rating than 20 percent is not warranted based on the evidence showing forward flexion greater than 30 degrees.
The deciding factor: The VA found no evidence of forward flexion of the lumbar spine at or below 30 degrees, which is required for an increased rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis, IVDS (Intervertebral Disc Syndrome)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 31, 2024
- Citation
- A24028378
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 A24028378.
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 denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, tendinitis, and strain, status post arthroscopy with meniscal tear and degenerative arthritis (limitation of flexion), and awarded an initial compensable rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, tendinitis, and strain, status post arthroscopy with meniscal tear and degenerative arthritis (limitation of extension).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's back disorder is remanded for further examination and opinion to determine its etiology, including consideration of his in-service injury and treatment.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection regarding cervical strain with IVDS, spinal fusion, and spinal stenosis was dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial evaluation for cervical spine disability remains at 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.
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