The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine DJD was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 4, 2020, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran's lumbar spine DJD did not result in limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or less, nor did it show favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The disability also did not meet the criteria for IVDS with incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23007263
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 23007263.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate VA opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hip and back disabilities. The claims are being returned to the RO for further action.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disorders, including lumbar spine DJD and bilateral knee DJD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 12, 2006. Effective dates for TDIU and DEA are granted as of that date.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The effective date for the 40 percent rating for BLE radiculopathy cannot be prior to October 7, 2022.
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