The Veteran's service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine, postoperative laminectomy and fusion, was granted a higher 40 percent rating effective January 24, 2012. Prior to this date, he received a 20 percent rating. Separate ratings for associated lower extremity radiculopathy were also granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability resulted in limited forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine (35 degrees) with pain throughout the range, meeting the criteria for a higher 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5243. Separate ratings for associated lower extremity radiculopathy were granted as well.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, Lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 12, 2014
- Citation
- 1436113
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 1436113.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there is a need for additional medical examination and opinion to address the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability, including DDD of the lumbar spine. The current VA opinions are deemed inadequate due to their failure to consider the Veteran's lay reports of in-service injury and continuous symptomatology since service.
- Granted
The Board granted a 100% evaluation for PTSD and awarded special monthly compensation, as well as service connection for bowel disabilities, lower extremity radiculopathy, headaches, and back disability. The decision also addressed the Veteran's request for TDIU.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral hearing loss, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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