The Veteran's DDD with lumbosacral strain was not manifested by limitation of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 60 degrees or less, a combined range of motion of 120 degrees or less, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour prior to May 20, 2024. As such, the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for DDD with lumbosacral strain is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability caused forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, a combined range of motion no greater than 120 degrees; or, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour prior to May 20, 2024.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) with lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 6, 2026
- Citation
- A26031022
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 A26031022.
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