Partly granted
The Board granted an increased rating of 40 percent for the degenerative arthritis DDD other than IVDS with chronic lumbar syndrome since May 1, 2023, and remanded claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal condition, skin condition, and neck condition.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability manifested in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, warranting an increased rating. The other claims were remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis DDD other than IVDS with chronic lumbar syndrome, Gastrointestinal condition (also claimed as a stomach condition, an intestinal/bowel condition, a colon condition, and gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]), Skin condition (claimed as body sores), Neck condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 4, 2025
- Citation
- A25104538
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
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.