The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent since July 12, 2016. The rating was granted as the condition met the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5243.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran had forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at 55 degrees during flareups and with repetitive use, which meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis, IVDS
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 14, 2021
- Citation
- 21022092
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 21022092.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, tendinitis, and strain, status post arthroscopy with meniscal tear and degenerative arthritis (limitation of flexion), and awarded an initial compensable rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, tendinitis, and strain, status post arthroscopy with meniscal tear and degenerative arthritis (limitation of extension).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's back disorder is remanded for further examination and opinion to determine its etiology, including consideration of his in-service injury and treatment.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial evaluation for cervical spine disability remains at 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability is denied. The effective date of SMC and DEA benefits based on permanent and total disability status is granted.
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