The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and diffuse mild disc bulge at L4-L5 warrants a 20 percent rating, reflecting muscle spasm on extreme forward bending and loss of lateral spine motion.
The deciding factor: The veteran demonstrated considerable paravertebral muscle spasm and limitation of motion by way of extension and right lateral bending, which justified the assignment of a 20 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5295.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, diffuse mild disc bulge at L4-L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 8, 2006
- Citation
- 0603558
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for several conditions, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, but denied increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and other conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability and denied increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity prior to June 7, 2024. The appeal was remanded for other issues.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a higher rating of degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine was dismissed because the veteran already received a 40% rating.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, as her service-connected conditions do not significantly impact her ability to perform functions of self-care.
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