The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 60 percent, effective January 28, 1993. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptomatology.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s low back disability has been evaluated under DC 5243 (DDD of the spine), which requires consideration of both orthopedic and neurologic manifestations. The VA examination reports indicate limited forward flexion to 30 degrees, with associated neurologic symptoms such as hypoactive knee and ankle jerks and decreased sensation in the lower extremities. However, there is no ankylosis or other severe impairment that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy to the lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- December 31, 2013
- Citation
- 1343357
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 1343357.
What this means for you
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- Granted
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