The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent prior to November 17, 2017 and 40 percent thereafter. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate based on the evidence showing a combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees prior to November 17, 2017, and forward flexion to 20 degrees with pain on repetitive use testing as of November 17, 2017.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative disc disease does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code due to the limited range of motion and lack of ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 10, 2019
- Citation
- 19192052
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 19192052.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding a positive nexus to the Veteran's active duty service.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal of proposed rating reductions for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy, left lower extremity, due to procedural defects in the Veteran's notice of disagreement. The issue regarding a compensable rating for migraine headaches was remanded.
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