The veteran's spondylosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are currently rated at 40 percent, but do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on their current manifestations.
The deciding factor: The veteran's range of motion is limited to 80 degrees flexion, 30 degrees extension, with pain. There is no evidence of muscle spasm or tenderness. The neurological examination showed mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve bilaterally without significant impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 22, 2005
- Citation
- 0511500
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 0511500.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of left hip strain and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for spondylosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The current rating is maintained.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and the need for additional evidence. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are considered, but his lay statements regarding needing aid and attendance are also taken into account.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his active military service or any service-connected disability.
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.