The Veteran's lumbago has been manifested at its worst by forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, and no ankylosis or the functional equivalent thereof. The criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbago has been manifested with forward flexion limited to 70 degrees during a VA examination, which is greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees, and no evidence of favorable or unfavorable ankylosis. The degree of additional limitation due to pain does not result in functional ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbago
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 5, 2026
- Citation
- A26011231
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 A26011231.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar back condition as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right foot condition.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance for his spouse, finding that she did not meet the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.352(a) due to her ability to leave the house with assistance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbago is remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination. A new examination is needed to assess the current severity and functional impact of his service-connected condition.
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