The Veteran's service-connected low back disability, characterized by degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and lumbar radiculopathy, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 20 percent prior to June 22, 2015; and higher than 40 percent thereafter. The Board denied his claims.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability was evaluated based on its current manifestations, which included pain with flexion, extension, and lateral bending, without significant neurological deficits or ankylosis of the spine. His range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) at L5-S1, Muscle spasm of the lumbar spine, Lumbar radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 26, 2024
- Citation
- A24078126
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 A24078126.
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 DDD and central canal stenosis of the lumbar spine, finding that the appellant's current disability is at least as likely caused by his in-service injury.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's request to extend his delimiting date for Chapter 33 education benefits, finding that he did not provide sufficient evidence of a physical or mental disability preventing him from initiating a program of education within one year of his May 2020 extension request.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied as the evidence did not show any additional functional loss or impairment beyond what is already accounted for by the current rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability as further development is needed to obtain an adequate medical opinion.
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