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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1138965.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Granted
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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
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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