The Veteran's lumbar strain with herniated nucleus pulposus and degenerative disc disease is granted a 20 percent rating for the entire appeal period, effective April 4, 2016.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s lumbosacral spine disability had not more nearly approximated forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran was able to forward flex to at least 45 degrees, even after repetitive-use testing and during a flare-up.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease, Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20080864
Veterans Law Judge
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 20080864.
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
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