The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability was rated at zero percent from February 1, 2005, to January 15, 2009. Since then, the rating has been increased to 20 percent effective January 15, 2009.
The deciding factor: The VA examination conducted on January 15, 2009, showed forward flexion of the lumbar spine limited to 40 degrees and a combined range of motion limited to 120 degrees. This met the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine disc disease at L4-5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 10, 2009
- Citation
- 0929729
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 0929729.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete service treatment records and a need to address lay statements regarding in-service injuries. The AOJ is instructed to obtain complete service treatment records, correct any duty-to-assist errors, and provide an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran's current lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are related to heavy, repetitive lifting from his military duties.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for IBS, lumbar spine disability, and lower extremity radiculopathy due to a procedural error in providing notice of his right to a hearing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there are errors in the decision-making process related to obtaining and considering certain medical records, conducting appropriate examinations, and providing a comprehensive assessment of the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded for these issues.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, including radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported in-service injuries and current medical diagnoses.
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