The Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc bulge is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that it does not warrant an increased rating in excess of this amount.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, a combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar disc bulge
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 25, 2026
- Citation
- A26026848
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26026848.
What this means for you
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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 lumbar spine disability, including lumbar disc bulge, lumbar scoliosis with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Granted
The veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability, including scoliosis and other related conditions, has been granted. The decision is based on evidence showing that the condition progressed during active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for service-connected lumbar disc bulge and right knee degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the extent of functional impairment during flare-ups.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for additional development due to inadequate etiology opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disabilities.
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