The Veteran's lumbar spine disability resulted in a combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees but less than 235 degrees prior to April 21, 2008. From April 21, 2008 onwards, the disability resulted in limitation of motion and severe pain during flare-ups. The Veteran also has left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with his lumbar spine disability. There is no evidence that the Veteran was treated for sinusitis in service or had any other in-service event or exposure that caused his current sinus disorder.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations provided sufficient information to determine the appropriate rating based on the combined range of motion and pain during flare-ups, which were considered under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- L4-L5 and L5-S1 bulging discs, L5-S1 disc desiccation and annular tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 20, 2011
- Citation
- 1138965
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 1138965.
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent for the period from March 22, 2006 to November 7, 2007 and increased to 20 percent effective December 5, 2011.
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The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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