The Board denied entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis with lumbar strain prior to September 6, 2022, and a disability rating in excess of 40 percent from that date.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less or ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine at any point during the appeal period, which are required for higher ratings under the applicable criteria.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative arthritis with lumbar strain (low back disability)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 4, 2025

Citation

A25009832

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