The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective August 12, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners noted no ankylosis and limited range of motion, which precluded a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2018
- Citation
- 18157706
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 18157706.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted on an extraschedular basis due to his service-connected disabilities making it impossible for him to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spondylosis was reopened and granted. The Board found that the evidence supports a medical nexus between the Veteran's current condition and his in-service duties, including lifting heavy equipment.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylosis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating greater than 20 percent for his lumbar degenerative disc disease and spondylosis is being remanded due to worsening symptoms. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as the VA examination records need to be updated.
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