The veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease was partially granted. The veteran is entitled to a 40% rating from November 21, 2017 to February 28, 2018, but not for the other periods.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the Veteran's limited forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less during the specified period.

Claimed conditions

lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease (DDD)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

January 15, 2025

Citation

25000566

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine