The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine has been rated at 40 percent since March 13, 2014. The evidence does not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: There is no medical or lay evidence demonstrating that the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability manifests with favorable or unfavorable ankylosis of the lumbar spine or of the entire spine, or forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 degrees or less. The examiner noted additional limitation in range of motion following repetitive-use testing but could not specify this reduction in degrees due to the Veteran's preference and inability to perform such tests.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint and Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 1, 2016
- Citation
- 1621918
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 1621918.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
PTSD, a back condition, and flat feet were not granted service connection prior to October 22, 2008.,The Veteran's claims for these conditions were submitted after the one-year period following separation from active duty.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40% rating for the period prior to November 20, 2010. For the period on appeal, his claim for an increased rating was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation due to the potential need for surgical intervention.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the sciatic nerves was denied. The RO assigned a 20 percent rating for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain, but denied increased ratings for radiculopathy.
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