The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for mild diffuse disc bulge and mild DDD at L4-5 prior to May 2, 2014 was denied as the disability did not result in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for mild diffuse disc bulge and mild DDD at L4-5 from May 2, 2014 to October 13, 2016 was denied as the disability did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for mild diffuse disc bulge and mild DDD at L4-5 from October 13, 2016 was denied as the disability did not result in forward flexion to 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability resulted in unfavorable ankylosis, forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees as required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- mild diffuse disc bulge and mild degenerative disc disease (DDD) at L4-5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20040496
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 20040496.
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