The Board granted an increased evaluation of 60 percent for postoperative residuals of degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine with lumbar strain, effective April 8, 1996. The grant of a TDIU was also confirmed and assigned an effective date of April 8, 1996.
The deciding factor: The veteran's DDD is consistent with pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome but does not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of findings such as ankylosis, vertebral fracture, or other conditions allowing for a rating in excess of 60 percent. The effective dates were assigned based on the date of increased evaluations and grant of TDIU.
- Claimed conditions
- postoperative residuals of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with lumbar strain (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- November 20, 2002
- Citation
- 0216765
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 0216765.
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
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