The Veteran's initial rating for thoracolumbar spine disability was granted at 40 percent from March 21, 2014 to January 12, 2016. The rating was then denied after that period.
The deciding factor: The VA found the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability more closely approximated forward flexion limited to 30 degrees during this period, but not meeting criteria for higher ratings due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 12, 2020
- Citation
- 20078717
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 20078717.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is being remanded due to a failure to provide the Veteran with a VA examination in connection with her claim. The Board finds that this was a pre-decisional duty to assist error and requires rescheduling of the examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's degenerative disc disease is related to service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of August 7, 2023 for the grant of service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also claimed as a back condition), and bilateral lower extremity sciatic neuropathy.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy were denied increased evaluations. The TDIU claim was also denied prior to August 20, 2013.
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