The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been manifested by no less than flexion to 90 degrees, extension to 5 degrees, lateral flexion to 20 degrees bilaterally, and rotation to 30 degrees bilaterally. Despite occasional flare-ups resulting in decreased function, there is no objective functional loss due to pain or additional limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine as his range of motion remains within normal limits with no significant functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 17, 2012
- Citation
- 1235905
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 1235905.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine and right hip disabilities due to a duty to assist error. The effective date for DEA benefits is granted as May 1, 2014.
- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability and right leg radiculopathy are granted service connection, but left leg radiculopathy is denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
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