The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees and a combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, is rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5243 for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability does not meet the criteria for higher ratings as it does not result in forward flexion of 30 degrees or less; no ankylosis; and no incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks, but less than 6 weeks during the immediately preceding 12 month period.
- Claimed conditions
- herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 23, 2015
- Citation
- 1549328
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 1549328.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as there was no unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis and thus not warranting a higher rating.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an extension of a temporary total evaluation based on the need for convalescence due to his service-connected left great toe hallux valgus and degenerative joint disease has been dismissed because this issue was already decided by the Board in January 2026.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an error in providing notice of a pre-decisional hearing, and the Veteran is entitled to such a hearing before the AOJ.
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