The Veteran's lumbar strain with mild disc bulge, L4-L5-S1 is rated at 40 percent effective January 9, 2015. The Board denied higher ratings for the lumbar strain and radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less from March 17, 2010, and the Veteran's range of motion was mostly full with some pain. The rating of 40 percent for January 9, 2015 is upheld as there were no episodes requiring bed rest in the past year.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with mild disc bulge, L4-L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19176881
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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