The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD with mild levoscoliosis and strain did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as it did not result in forward flexion to 60 degrees or less, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine being 120 degrees or less, or muscle spasms or guarding resulting in an abnormal gait or contour.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in forward flexion to 60 degrees or less, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine being 120 degrees or less, or muscle spasms or guarding resulting in an abnormal gait or contour.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine DJD with mild levoscoliosis and strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19128276
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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