The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board finds that his disability does not warrant an increased rating as it does not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees or unfavorable ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent based on limitation of motion, specifically forward flexion ending at 10 degrees. The criteria for a higher rating are not met as the disability does not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees or unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and joint disease of lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 17, 2017
- Citation
- 1733625
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 1733625.
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Related decisions
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The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine was denied, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board also denied service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to his service-connected back disability.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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