The Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine was evaluated at a 20 percent rating since February 1, 2008. The disability is currently manifested by forward flexion to no less than 35 degrees, accounting for pain on motion and after repetition; no ankylosis; and no incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 4.71a as there was no evidence of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic Arthritis of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 20, 2015
- Citation
- 1507505
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 1507505.
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The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The right inguinal hernia and left index finger fracture are both denied as not compensable.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent prior to February 1, 2008. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there was no unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
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The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD or low back disability, and there was no indication of service connection being warranted based on exposure to specific hazards.
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