The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his chronic thoracolumbar strain, to include degenerative disc disease, IVDS, and status post lumbar discectomy fusion was denied.,His radiculopathy of the right lower extremity received an initial 10 percent rating. The Board found that it did not warrant a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain disability is rated based on limitation of motion, and does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to favorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic thoracolumbar strain, degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), status post lumbar discectomy fusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20001714
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 Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal to reopen the previous denial of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as the benefit sought has been fully granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of entitlement to an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis based on the Veteran's in-service back injury and chronicity of symptoms.
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