The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome is granted an increased rating to 40 percent, and no higher, as of May 4, 2021. The Veteran is also granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation at the '(l)' rate.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that during the period on review, the Veteran has experienced the functional equivalent of favorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine due to his episodes of immobility and highly limited back extension, lateral flexion, and lateral rotation on VA examination.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 5, 2025
- Citation
- A25049830
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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