The Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD)/intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) prior to July 2, 2019, but denied a higher rating for the entire period. The other claims for increased ratings were denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD/IVDS manifested as forward flexion limited to 45 degrees after repeated use over time from February 1, 2016, which supported a 20 percent rating prior to July 2, 2019. However, there was no evidence of more severe symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)/Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), Radiculopathy (Sciatic nerve), left lower extremity, Radiculopathy (Sciatic nerve), right lower extremity, Radiculopathy (Femoral nerve), left lower extremity, Radiculopathy (Femoral nerve), right lower extremity, Osteoarthritis, bilateral knees, Osteoarthritis, right shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2025
- Citation
- A25045887
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning the service connection for various conditions and the propriety of a rating reduction has been withdrawn by the Appellant.
- Dismissed
The Board denied the veteran's appeals for service connection due to untimely filings.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected left knee and right shoulder disabilities, along with compensation benefits awarded under 38 USC § 1151 for a right bicep detachment during shoulder surgery, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from December 22, 2011 to December 11, 2016.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left hip osteoarthritis and right hip osteoarthritis as secondary to the Veteran's now service-connected knee disabilities, but denied service connection for a variety of other conditions including bilateral ankle, shoulder, foot, mood disorder, tinnitus, hyperlipidemia, and knees.
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