The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease has been rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that his disability does not warrant a higher evaluation as it does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s lumbar spine DJD results in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, which is within the range required for a 20 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5242. There is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or other factors that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (lumbar spine)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 10, 2019
- Citation
- 19178093
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 961 · Granted: 20% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19178093.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for further evidence. The reduction of a rating from 20 percent to 10 percent for lumbar spine DJD was improper, and the 20 percent rating is restored.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to June 24, 2015. From June 24, 2015 to October 21, 2019, the rating remained at 10 percent. After October 21, 2019, a higher rating was not granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy were denied ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to February 9, 2019, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and his migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent. The Board finds that the evidence supports these ratings based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on employment.
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