The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylosis with degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent, the highest possible rating under VA guidelines. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or other criteria.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran’s disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating as defined by the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, specifically due to lack of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine spondylosis with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20065184
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,500 · Granted: 29% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 20065184.
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The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection for his acquired psychiatric disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.
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The Board has remanded the claims for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with limitation of extension and flexion, as well as right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. The lumbar spine spondylosis with degenerative disc disease claim is granted with a rating of 20 percent effective July 7, 2015.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the failure to schedule a VA examination, potential unemployability, and worsening of his service-connected disabilities.
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