The Board granted a May 30, 2017, effective date for the award of a 40 percent rating for lumbar spine stenosis and degenerative disc disease, to include intervertebral disc syndrome and herniated discs L4-5 and L5-S1. The claim for a higher rating was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence is in at least relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's lumbar spine stenosis and degenerative disc disease manifested with forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees, which supports a 40 percent rating. However, there was no persuasive evidence that it met criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine stenosis and degenerative disc disease, to include intervertebral disc syndrome and herniated discs L4-5 and L5-S1, persistent depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 30, 2025
- Citation
- A25056239
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks and persistent depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's mental health difficulties began during active service.
- Dismissed
The appeals for service connection for tinnitus, persistent depressive disorder as secondary to tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are dismissed due to mootness.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a supplemental medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's knee and ankle disabilities without medication, as well as an opinion on the etiology of his psychiatric conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for fibromyalgia, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis, and denied a 100 percent rating for persistent depressive disorder. The claims for service connection were remanded.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.