The Veteran's service-connected DJD of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent, which is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was limited to 50 degrees or less, but did not reach the level required for an increased rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The examiner also found no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to IVDS.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19107300
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
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