The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for the period prior to November 12, 2019, and at 40 percent beginning November 12, 2019.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show functional limitation equivalent to forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees prior to November 12, 2019, which is required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20035325
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 20035325.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied, and he is granted initial ratings of 40% each for peripheral neuropathy affecting both lower extremities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's disability ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and tension headaches were improperly reduced. The Board has reinstated these ratings to their original levels, effective August 1, 2022.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has withdrawn the issue of entitlement to a higher initial evaluation for degenerative arthritis of lumbar spine. The issue of entitlement to a higher initial evaluation for right hip strain is remanded due to lack of recent VA examination.
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