The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The cervical strain claim is also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 28, 2018
- Citation
- 1812408
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 1812408.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and earlier effective dates was denied.,An increased rating of 60 percent, but no higher, for right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of radiculopathy of the left lower extremity due to insufficient evidence. The ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right shoulder disability, and left knee disability remain denied as they do not meet the criteria for increased ratings.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for dizziness and headaches due to potential issues with evidence or development.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and left and right knee disabilities are service-connected as they were aggravated by her military service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.