The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated as 20 percent disabling prior to October 6, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other symptoms.
The deciding factor: The VA examination and treatment records demonstrated flexion to at least 70 degrees, which is within the range for a 20 percent disability rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The presence of ankylosis was not established.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease L5-S1 with degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 31, 2014
- Citation
- 1404493
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 1404493.
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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