The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) totaling at least six weeks over the past twelve months.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports showed that the Veteran had forward flexion to 25 degrees, which is less than the required 30 degrees for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5242. The evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS totaling at least six weeks over the past twelve months.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine"}, {"condition_name":"Left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine"}, {"condition_name":"Right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19115791
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 19115791.
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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