For the period prior to November 9, 2011, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not manifested by forward thoracolumbar flexion to 60 degrees or less; a combined range of thoracolumbar motion less than 120 degrees; muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; ankylosis; neurological abnormalities; or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks during a 12-month period.,For the period beginning November 9, 2011, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been manifested by painful motion and limitation of motion due to functional loss. There is no evidence of favorable or unfavorable ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes of Intervertebral Disc Disease having a total duration of 6 weeks during a 12-month period.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc protrusion at L5-S1 level with annular tear of the lumbar spine, anterior osteophyte, straightening of lumbar lordosis with disc space narrowing L4-L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 25, 2017
- Citation
- 1718481
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 1718481.
What this means for you
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