The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The Board denied an increased rating as his flexion and extension were within the range that would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability manifested with forward flexion to 60 degrees, extension to 20 degrees, which falls within the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. There were no additional factors contributing to his disability.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis (DA), intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), spinal stenosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 9, 2026
- Citation
- A26012042
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 A26012042.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
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