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Denied

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective January 22, 2019. The Board denied higher initial ratings for the lumbar spine disability prior to that date.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to less than 30 degrees or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, which are required for a rating in excess of 40 percent under VA regulations.

Claimed conditions
lumbar disc protrusion L4-5 with sacralization of S1 with pseudoarthrosis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
May 24, 2022
Citation
22030487

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 22030487.

What this means for you

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