The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.,Specifically, the Veteran's low back disability was rated based on limitation of motion, but no unfavorable ankylosis was shown. His hypertension was also evaluated based on its severity.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran experienced incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician and treated by a physician due to his low back disability, nor did it demonstrate exceptional or unusual circumstances warranting referral for extraschedular consideration.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 12, 2011
- Citation
- 1145311
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 1145311.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis is remanded due to inadequate examination report.
- Granted
The reduction of the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disability ratings from 40% to 20% was improper, and the prior ratings are restored.
- Denied
The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating has been denied. The Board also found that TDIU was granted as of January 16, 2010, but not earlier.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic sinusitis. However, it granted an increased disability rating of 30 percent for left upper extremity radiculopathy.
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