The Veteran's DDD of the thoracic and lumbar spine, with DJD of the lumbar spine, was not manifested by forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine; or symptomatology resulting in incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during a 12-month period. As such, the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent was denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports did not show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine; or symptomatology resulting in incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during a 12-month period.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracic and lumbar spine, with degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2015
- Citation
- 1501646
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 1501646.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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