The Veteran's DJD/DDD of the lumbar spine resulted in forward flexion limited to 35 degrees, extension limited to 5 degrees, and trunk sidebending limited to 10 degrees. These findings do not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases or Injuries of the Spine, as his forward flexion was limited to 35 degrees and extension was limited to 5 degrees. The combined range of motion was also less than 120 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) and Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 10, 2016
- Citation
- 1618646
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1618646.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
For the period prior to June 17, 2018, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees. For the period beginning June 17, 2018, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability most closely approximated forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran's separate right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy disabilities were rated at 20 percent each.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability was denied as the evidence did not show flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the severity of his service-connected conditions, specifically addressing flare-ups. The VA will also obtain updated treatment records and request an updated VA Form 21-8940 from the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective March 1, 2016. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence does not support an increase in his current rating.
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