The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board found that her symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the Veteran’s forward flexion was to 90 degrees with no additional loss of function after repetitive use, which is within the range required for a 10 percent disability rating under DC 5237. The combined range of motion did not exceed 120 degrees and there were no signs of muscle spasm or guarding resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease, Spondylosis, Sacroiliitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 20, 2023
- Citation
- 23017053
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 23017053.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance claims have been granted effective from November 23, 2019.,The Board has also remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for his lumbar and cervical spine conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found new and relevant evidence in support of the Veteran's previously denied service-connection claim for a back condition to include degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease. The case is being remanded for further review.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's back disability, including whether it is related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease and patellofemoral syndrome were granted a 20 percent rating, effective from January 8, 2021. The Veteran also received restoration of the 20 percent rating for instability of the right knee.
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