The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent, and his hip and thigh disabilities are rated at noncompensable. The Board finds no basis to grant higher ratings for any of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support findings that the Veteran has had forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less in the thoracolumbar spine, nor ankylosis (functional equivalent), during the rating period on appeal. The Veteran's reported pain and functional loss are considered in determining his current ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back pain and degenerative disc disease (DDD) with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Right hip bursitis (limitation of extension), Left hip bursitis (limitation of extension), Limitation of flexion of the right thigh, Limitation of flexion of the left thigh
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 22, 2024
- Citation
- A24049328
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 A24049328.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's right shoulder and left thigh disabilities, but granted an evaluation of 30 percent from June 15, 2010 to May 25, 2017 for right posterior shoulder instability based on frequent dislocation and a separate evaluation of 20 percent from May 25, 2017 for the same condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection must be remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The AOJ is instructed to schedule appropriate examinations and obtain clarifications on medical issues related to the Veteran's hip, thigh, foot, ankle, heel, and erectile dysfunction.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are not fully developed, requiring additional examinations and opinions to determine the current severity of his hip and thigh disabilities, as well as the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's right hip disability is granted service connection secondary to his service-connected left hip labral tear. The issues of increased ratings for impairment of the left thigh and loss of flexion of the left thigh are remanded.
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