The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied. His application to reopen his service connection claim for this disability was granted, effective January 3, 2007.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5237 due to limitation of flexion to 30 degrees. The Board found that an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent was not warranted based on the evidence provided.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint and Disc Disease of the Lumbosacral Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 17, 2010
- Citation
- 1047115
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1047115.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's right thumb disability is rated at 30% effective October 31, 2011. The spine condition remains under review.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a higher rating for the veteran's degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, but granted separate ratings for radiculopathy in each lower extremity.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder related to service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The veteran's service-connected low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher initial rating of 60 percent is warranted.
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