The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of a 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome prior to March 24, 2021.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran had forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine to include the functional equivalent of ankylosis prior to March 24, 2021.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (lumbar spine disability)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 5, 2025

Citation

A25010804

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