The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine DJD with facet syndrome was granted a 40 percent rating effective from June 24, 2014. The disability is characterized by pain and limited motion without ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The VA examination revealed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at 30 degrees with no additional limitation after three repetitions, resulting in a combined ROM not greater than 120 degrees. The examiner noted muscle spasm and guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine with facet syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 5, 2016
- Citation
- 1645519
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 1645519.
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
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