The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease L4-L5 was rated at 10 percent from November 3, 2005 to July 30, 2007 and increased to 20 percent effective August 1, 2006.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability picture more nearly approximated the criteria for a 20 percent rating based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine not less than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees and combined range of motion not less than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease L4-L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 2, 2011
- Citation
- 1132385
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 1132385.
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 due to the need for additional treatment records and VA examinations.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease L4-L5, with spinal stenosis as it did not have its onset in service and is not related to the Veteran's service-connected post-operative pilonidal cyst. The other claims were also denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since August 2005. The Board finds that a higher rating of 40 percent is warranted for the entire period on appeal due to limited range of motion and pain.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 60%, which does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. However, due to his employment history and education level, he may be unemployable as a result of his lumbar spine disability on an extraschedular basis.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.