The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been manifested by forward flexion greater than 60 degrees and a combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees, without muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour, and without incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in forward flexion limited to 60 degrees or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, nor does it result in muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 9, 2018
- Citation
- 1801197
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1801197.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and a claim for service connection for depression are both remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.
- Denied
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