The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lower spine with lumbosacral strain and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy have been rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The rating for the lower spine is denied as it does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lower spine with lumbosacral strain did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5242 due to limitations in range of motion and muscle spasm, which do not warrant an increase beyond 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lower Spine with Lumbosacral Strain, Right Lower Extremity Sciatic Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18120092
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 18120092.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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