The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of thoracic spine have been rated at 10% each since March 29, 2002. The current appeal seeks an evaluation in excess of the existing ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s lumbar spine disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of forward flexion, unfavorable ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes of IVDS having at least 6 weeks' duration during the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD), spondylosis of thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 19%
- Decision date
- March 15, 2023
- Citation
- 23015566
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 23015566.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder, cervical strain (claimed as cervical spine condition), lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, tinnitus, endometriosis, female sexual arousal disorder, and urinary frequency. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are supported by medical evidence linking them to her military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD) due to a lack of consideration of potential aggravation during active service and an inadequate medical opinion.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and granted a 40 percent disability rating for right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, while denying all other claims.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) but denied an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease.
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