The veteran's service-connected dorsal-lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to September 8, 1999 and increased to 40 percent since then. The cervical spine disability was initially rated at 10 percent and later increased to 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations conducted in September 1997 and September 1999 demonstrated significant improvement in the veteran's dorsal-lumbar spine condition, with a marked reduction in range of motion from prior evaluations. The cervical spine disability also showed improvement, but remained at a lower rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of injury of the dorsal-lumbar spine with arthritis and narrowing and desiccation at L1-2, L2-3 and L3-4 with mild bulge at L3-4, Residuals of injury of the cervical spine with arthritis and mild disc bulge at C3-4
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 25, 2000
- Citation
- 0013951
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 0013951.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for a back disability due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding VA's failure to provide the Veteran with a VA examination prior to the rating decision.
- Granted
The Board granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's migraine headaches based on prostrating attacks occurring more than once a month and severe economic inadaptability.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of his left foot, as there was no evidence showing that the service-connected conditions resulted in functional limitation equal to that of amputation of the left foot with prosthesis.
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.