The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and radicular symptomatology in the right lower extremity was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability, effective October 31, 2008.
The deciding factor: The VA examination revealed that the Veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was limited to 60 degrees and the combined range of motion was 125 degrees. The examiner noted an increase in symptoms since the last examination but did not find any incapacitating episodes or other significant findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 22, 2009
- Citation
- 0915128
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 0915128.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DDD at L5-S1 and left knee disability, as well as the associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected back condition prior to July 1, 2011 was manifested by pain and stiffness with limited forward flexion. The current rating of 20% adequately reflects the severity of his disability.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, characterized by painful limitation of motion and slight limitation of flexion, does not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.
- Granted
The veteran's DDD at L5-S1 was rated as 20 percent disabling effective September 10, 2002.
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