The Board denied an increased initial disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with DDD, finding that the Veteran's condition did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating due to limitations in range of motion and functional loss.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed forward flexion limited to 50 degrees at most, without limitation to 30 degrees or less as required for an increased rating under DC 5242. There was no evidence of favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19128270
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 19128270.
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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