The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent from August 20, 2009 to June 3, 2015 and at 40 percent from June 3, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating based on incapacitating episodes or under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent from June 3, 2015, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board determined that there were no incapacitating episodes or other factors warranting a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 22, 2018
- Citation
- 1817868
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 1817868.
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 lumbar spine disability is rated at a 40% evaluation, granting the highest schedular rating for limitation of motion. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending.
- Denied
The Veteran's degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as his range of motion and symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been granted and rated at the lowest possible level, with no additional compensation awarded.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the earliest effective date for a combined 100 percent disability evaluation is March 8, 2000.
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