The Veteran's degenerative disc disease L5-S1 was granted a 40 percent rating from May 17, 2011. He also received separate ratings for left S1 radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran had forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, meeting the criteria for a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease L5-S1, Left S1 Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 22, 2014
- Citation
- 1442258
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 1442258.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative disc disease L5-S1, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, tinnitus, and GERD, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since August 12, 2019. As of February 2, 2022, she met the schedular criteria for TDIU.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and degenerative disc disease L5-S1 are rated as noncompensably disabling. The right and left knee disabilities each receive a 10 percent rating for limitation of extension, while the L5-S1 disability receives a 20 percent rating prior to September 24, 2018, and a 40 percent rating thereafter. The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination regarding his back disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. The back disability is now considered to be incurred in service, while the bilateral foot and knee disabilities are secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for a left leg disability other than radiculopathy. The previously denied claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease L5-S1 and bilateral leg numbness have been reopened, but the case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these issues. The Veteran's right knee condition remains under review.
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