The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, now with degenerative disc disease prior to August 1, 2019, is denied a rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, now with degenerative disc disease from August 1, 2019, is denied a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examination results did not show forward flexion of the lumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees or combined range of motion of the lumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees, nor muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness resulting in abnormal gait or an abnormal spinal contour. The examination also did not show flexion of the lumbar spine to 30 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20023943
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 20023943.
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.
- Denied
The Board found the reduction in disability evaluation from 40% to 20% was improper and void ab initio due to inadequate examination for reduction.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, finding that his current disabilities are related to his active duty service.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective April 11, 2023, and SMC based on housebound status effective the same date.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the same condition.
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