The Veteran's service-connected lumbar discogenic disc disease is rated at 20 percent for the entire period on appeal, with forward flexion of the spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations consistently showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to be greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5237.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar discogenic disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21061346
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 21061346.
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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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar discogenic disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and testing.
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- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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