The Board granted an increased rating of 40 percent for lumbar degenerative joint disease but remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar DJD manifested in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, which warranted a 40 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. However, there was no evidence of ankylosis or its functional equivalent, precluding a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 28, 2025
- Citation
- A25102693
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