The Board found that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is manifested by forward flexion to at least 58 degrees and extension to at least 15 degrees, with some numbness in the left lower extremity. The disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees, extension of the cervical spine less than 15 degrees, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees, or combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees. The disability also did not result in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 17, 2006
- Citation
- 0635852
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 0635852.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for GERD, left wrist sprain, right knee strain, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The claim for an increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder with depressive disorder was denied.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for cervical strain with degenerative disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was dismissed as it was not timely filed.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance is granted, as he requires regular assistance with dressing, keeping himself clean and presentable, and attending to his bodily needs due to service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinea capitis, hypertension, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine but denied service connection for sinusitis and urinary tract infections. The claims for PTSD, hearing loss, chest pain, right hip condition, left hip condition, and right knee condition were remanded.
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