The Veteran's service-connected chronic low back strain with degenerative joint and disc disease has been evaluated at 20 percent since July 15, 2005. The current evaluation is appropriate as the evidence does not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks during a 12-month period.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been evaluated based on its orthopedic manifestations and does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5242-5243 due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic low back strain with degenerative joint and disc disease, testicular pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 25, 2016
- Citation
- 1641494
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 1641494.
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 Board has remanded all issues on appeal due to a failure by the RO to provide notice of the Veteran's right to a hearing.
- Granted
The Veteran's testicular pain causing impairment in earning capacity is granted as service-connected. The initial rating for the lumbar spine disability remains at 40 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's scrotum and testes condition, including whether it manifests in or aggravates erectile dysfunction.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for multiple conditions has been withdrawn by the Veteran.
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