The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the current 20 percent evaluation is appropriate as there was no ankylosis and no limitation of motion more closely approximating the criteria for the higher 40 percent evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's forward flexion did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, specifically noting that it was at least 65 degrees, which is greater than the required 30 degrees for a 40% evaluation. There was no indication of ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes requiring physician prescribed bed rest.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 25, 2020
- Citation
- 20043073
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 20043073.
What this means for you
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