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Denied

The Veteran's low back disability is currently evaluated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s lumbar degenerative disc disease does not meet or approximate the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent under any applicable diagnostic code due to lack of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine, unfavorable ankylosis, or other disabling manifestations that would warrant a higher rating.

Claimed conditions
Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine with Disc Herniation at L5-S1
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
April 24, 2009
Citation
0915415

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 0915415.

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