The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied, as the evidence did not show ankylosis or other criteria warranting a higher rating. Separate ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy were also denied.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support findings of ankylosis or additional neurological impairment that would justify separate ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease with lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 18, 2016
- Citation
- 1628539
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 1628539.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease with lumbosacral strain and lateral collateral ligament sprain of the left ankle to ensure a more accurate assessment of the severity of these disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions and denied an increased rating for degenerative disc disease with lumbosacral strain.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's original 40 percent rating for degenerative disc disease with lumbosacral strain, effective January 8, 2021. The appeal was not about service connection but rather a reduction in rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease with lumbosacral strain are remanded due to inconsistencies in the May 2023 VA examination report and the need for further development, including obtaining findings related to flare-ups of her lumbar spine condition.
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