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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20040496.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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