The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent from June 16, 2003, to February 22, 2010; a 20 percent evaluation was granted effective February 22, 2010. The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation on or after June 24, 2010, remains denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least two weeks but less than four weeks during the past 12 months from June 16, 2003, to February 22, 2010; forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, a combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour from September 26, 2003, to February 22, 2010; and unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past 12 months on or after June 24, 2010.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spondylosis, degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 21, 2010
- Citation
- 1035757
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 1035757.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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