The Veteran's multilevel DDD is currently rated at 20 percent, the highest available rating under DCs 5010-5243.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine and noted forward flexion to 70 degrees with pain. This meets the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating under DC 5292 (multilevel DDD).
- Claimed conditions
- multilevel degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 11, 2018
- Citation
- 1821293
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 1821293.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for multilevel degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease with radiculopathy due to inadequate response in previous medical opinions. The AOJ must request an independent medical expert opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back condition, including consideration of his service treatment records and lay statements.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for multilevel DDD was granted, and he is now receiving a 40% disability rating since August 26, 2016.,From August 26, 2016 to August 16, 2017, the Veteran's claim for TDIU based on his service-connected psychiatric disorder was granted. After this period, he is no longer considered unemployable due to his psychiatric condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for multilevel degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease with radiculopathy due to inadequate reasoning in the previous VA medical opinion. The case is being sent back for a new addendum opinion from an orthopedic specialist.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed back disabilities, specifically whether they are related to service or not. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.
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.