The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied, but he was granted a TDIU prior to February 22, 2012.,His lumbar spine disability is primarily characterized by DJD and IVDS. The most recent VA examination found that forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was limited to 90 degrees with pain on motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his disability was primarily characterized by moderate limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease (DJD), lumbar radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 26, 2015
- Citation
- 1545550
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 1545550.
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 Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity are rated at 20 percent effective November 6, 2024.
- Denied
The Board found the reduction in disability evaluation from 40% to 20% was improper and void ab initio due to inadequate examination for reduction.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability, specifically addressing whether there was aggravation during service and if the lumbar spondylosis, lumbar radiculopathy, sacroiliitis, and failed back surgery syndrome had onset in service.
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