The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by degenerative disc and joint disease with intervertebral disc syndrome, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less or unfavorable ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability was evaluated under DC 5243 (DDD) and DCs 5235-42 (General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine). The evidence did not support a higher rating as her flexion was to 35 degrees or 50 degrees, which is within the range required for a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and joint disease (DDD & DJD) of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19194600
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 19194600.
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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