The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for DDD of the lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain prior to March 10, 2015 was denied as there was no evidence of forward flexion to less than 30 degrees or ankylosis.,A 40 percent rating was granted for DDD of the lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain since March 10, 2015. The Veteran's symptoms were characterized by pain and limited range of motion without evidence of ankylosis or IVDS requiring physician-prescribed bedrest.,Separate ratings of 10 percent each for sciatica in the right and left lower extremities from March 10, 2015 to September 6, 2021 were granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of evidence of forward flexion to less than 30 degrees or ankylosis. The separate ratings for sciatica in the lower extremities were granted based on complaints of pain and limited range of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain, Sciatica, right lower extremity (RLE), Sciatica, left lower extremity (LLE)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 24, 2022
- Citation
- 22010706
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 22010706.
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