The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since March 20, 2012. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability prior to this date.
The deciding factor: The November 2009 and March 2013 VA examinations showed significant limitation of motion in the lumbar spine, with flexion not exceeding 60 degrees. The Veteran's symptoms have persisted despite treatment, warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, Patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, Post-operative right knee residuals
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 16, 2016
- Citation
- 1632421
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 1632421.
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 Veteran's GERD is granted a rating of 30 percent, allergic rhinitis remains at 0 percent, and patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is granted a rating of 30 percent.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is dismissed. The Board has remanded the claims of higher ratings for DDD of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with DDD of the lumbar spine, and a left ankle disability.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for a rating higher than 10 percent for left knee disability and service connection for right shoulder disability have been dismissed. The appeal of the TDIU issue has been remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for GERD with esophagitis, patellofemoral syndrome of the bilateral knees, and residuals of osteoplasty have been withdrawn. The application to reopen her claim of service connection for breast cancer residuals has been granted, as well as her claim of service connection for IBS.
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