The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral spine, with intervertebral disc disease, post lumbar fusion is rated at a 20 percent evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examination showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees during ordinary range of motion testing and estimates of functional impairment during flare-ups or with repeated use over time also were within that range, warranting a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral spine, Intervertebral disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 10, 2026
- Citation
- A26021489
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 A26021489.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The rating reduction from 30 percent to 10 percent for cervical spine disability is restored. The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, and the remaining issues are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the December 2019 VA examiner's opinion, which did not consider the Veteran's lay statements and other diagnoses. The AOJ should obtain an adequate VA examination for the cervical spine disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and pilonidal cyst are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral spine and sleep apnea, as well as his claim for TDIU. The Board found that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a link between the claimed conditions and service or any other service-connected disabilities.
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