The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar degenerative disc disease was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, nor unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptomatology has been consistent throughout the period at issue.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease was manifested by pain and tenderness resulting in guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait, but not limited to 30 degrees of forward flexion or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 12, 2018
- Citation
- 18157451
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 18157451.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 14, 2023.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for migraines, lumbar degenerative disc disease with associated lower extremity radiculopathy, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection is denied for left hip strain and right hip strain.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition was denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with his lumbar spine disability was also denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for a postoperative back scar related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with right great toe hallux limitus; bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy; obstructive sleep apnea; cervical degenerative arthritis, disc disease, spinal stenosis, and C4-C7 fusion; left shoulder strain; lumbar degenerative disc disease; right shoulder strain; right knee tendonitis; left knee tendonitis; painful right neck scar; tinnitus; right lower extremity polyneuropathy; and left lower extremity polyneuropathy render him unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful occupation.
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