The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating due to lack of incapacitating episodes and limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s current range of motion does not warrant a higher rating as he has forward flexion limited to 50 degrees, which is within normal limits. He also did not have any confirmed incapacitating episodes over the past year.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 23, 2016
- Citation
- 1633283
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 1633283.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination and opinion to determine the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability, including any related radiculopathy. The examiner should also assess the impact of the Veteran's diminished reflexes and muscle strength on his ability to work or maintain his home.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine was denied as there is no evidence showing ankylosis, incapacitating episodes, or other factors warranting a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for the lumbar spine disability and assigned an initial rating of 20 percent, effective December 6, 2004. The veteran's claims for service connection for hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease were denied.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for Paget's disease of the left knee and degenerative disc and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or service-connected conditions.
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