The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% since February 18, 2010. The hip condition has not been rated separately as it was not the primary issue in this appeal.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition based on current symptomatology and medical records.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Arthritic changes of the left hip
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20002622
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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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.