The Veteran's low back injury with lumbosacral degenerative disc and joint diseases is currently rated at 20 percent, effective April 17, 2001. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss due to pain or other factors.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was 45 degrees with a total range of motion of 130 degrees, which is within the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. There were no findings indicating ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease with facet arthritis and spondylosis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 30, 2016
- Citation
- 1648547
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 1648547.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Granted
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