The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc and degenerative joint disease, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports consistently showed severe limitation of motion and neurological deficit without evidence of ankylosis or pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome. The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain was found to have contributed to the development of degenerative joint disease, but not to neuromas.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 4, 2001
- Citation
- 0112771
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 0112771.
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 Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as there was no unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lower back condition and surgical scars are inadequate, necessitating a remand for further evaluation.
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