The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected back disability was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis or its functional equivalent.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s range of motion in flexion and extension were limited by pain, but not to the extent required for unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease lumbar spine, Bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 27, 2026
- Citation
- A26007682
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 A26007682.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy on the basis of CUE in the February 1996 rating decision have been denied. The May 2022 rating decision is also dismissed as it failed to grant service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connection was established based on a diagnosed condition and credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.,Service connection for low back disability is granted, with the diagnosis being intervertebral disc degeneration and spinal stenosis of the lumbar region (low back disability).,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to his now service-connected low back disability is granted. The link between the two conditions was established by medical evidence.,Service connection for residuals of a head injury, manifested as head pain, memory impairment, loss of balance, and dizziness, is granted based on credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred.,The Veteran's right foot disability does not meet service connection criteria.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for separate ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been dismissed as the appeal is moot due to the grant of service connection and the subsequent denial of an increased rating.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the Board Appeal request was not timely filed with respect to the rating decision issued on October 21, 2021.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.