A rating of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is granted as of August 4, 2016. A higher rating is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected low back disability has been manifested by forward flexion to 70 degrees and muscle spasm resulting in abnormal gait, with no objective evidence of incapacitating episodes having a duration of at least four weeks during the past 12 months or neurologic abnormalities other than bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Bilateral Lower Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 21, 2018
- Citation
- 18112732
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 18112732.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar disc disease, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee strains, residuals of a left ankle concussion, and bilateral pes cavus are found to be related to his obstructive sleep apnea. His claim for restoration of a 30 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted.
- Denied
The Board denied the appellant's eligibility for direct payment of fees from past due benefits awarded in a July 2024 rating decision granting an increased PTSD rating and TDIU.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to alleged errors in the May 2021 VA examination, including failure to conduct range of motion testing. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an addendum VA medical opinion addressing the severity of the Veteran's back disability throughout the appeal period and a VA examination regarding bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis is remanded due to inadequate examination report.
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