The Veteran's back disorder, characterized by partial sacralization of the L5 vertebral body on the left and multilevel spondylosis with disc bulges, was granted service connection. The initial rating assigned was 40 percent effective March 19, 2018.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disorder met the criteria for a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5242 due to forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being to 30 degrees or less and favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- partial sacralization of the L5 vertebral body on the left, multilevel spondylosis and L3-L4, L4-L5 disc bulges with minimal bilateral neural foramina narrowing
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18150428
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 18150428.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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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