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Denied

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected DJD of the thoracic and lumbar spine, lumbosacral radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and lumbosacral radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has been denied. The RO increased the initial ratings to 20 percent effective March 4, 2005.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes.

Claimed conditions
degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the thoracic and lumbar spine
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
June 17, 2008
Citation
0819764

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 0819764.

What this means for you

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