The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity associated with DJD of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with DJD of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, which would be required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5242.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine, Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity associated with DJD of the lumbar spine, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with DJD of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20061745
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 20061745.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and depressive disorder. However, it granted a total disability rating based on unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.
- Denied
The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for DJD of the lumbar spine from February 25, 2016 to September 15, 2023 and denied a rating in excess of 40 percent from September 16, 2023.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a spine disability and lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities. The Veteran was also granted an increased rating of 30 percent for his scars.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial evaluations for DJD of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of both lower extremities have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.
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