The Board denied an increased rating above 40 percent for the Veteran's back condition, including lumbar spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis.
The deciding factor: The evidence of record did not support a higher evaluation as it did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome, spinal stenosis, scoliosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 4, 2025
- Citation
- A25031490
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal to reopen the previous denial of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as the benefit sought has been fully granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis based on the Veteran's in-service back injury and chronicity of symptoms.
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