The Veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis with disc disease and strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that his condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s disability did not meet the criteria for ankylosis, forward flexion of no greater than 60 degrees, a combined range of motion of no greater than 120 degrees, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour, or IVDS resulting in incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis with disc disease and strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 17, 2019
- Citation
- A19002016
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.