The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for service-connected lumbar disc disease, L5 (back disability) has been denied. The current examination findings warrant a 40 percent disability rating and no higher.
The deciding factor: The VA back examination found forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at 20 degrees with total ROM of 120 degrees, resulting in a 40 percent evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. No unfavorable ankylosis was noted.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar disc disease, degenerative arthritis of the spine, spinal stenosis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2022
- Citation
- 22068516
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 22068516.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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