The VA has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent, as there is no evidence of severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks and intermittent relief.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a finding of severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks and intermittent relief. The veteran's symptoms are better described as mild to moderate pain and stiffness without significant neurological involvement or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar segment of the spine, Traumatic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 10, 2003
- Citation
- 0312432
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 0312432.
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-connected conditions, including traumatic arthritis and thoracolumbar spine status post fusion, have resulted in the effective loss of use of both feet. The Board has granted eligibility for financial assistance to purchase an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to these conditions. Additionally, the Veteran is also receiving SMC at the housebound rate based on his 100% disability rating from traumatic arthritis, thoracolumbar spine status post fusion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to incomplete evidence, including VA treatment records not being associated with his file. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and provide a new VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a left ankle fracture with traumatic arthritis was denied as his disability is already at the maximum schedular evaluation available.
- Granted
The Veteran's right foot injury, which included a puncture wound and traumatic arthritis, was granted an initial rating of 10 percent from February 27, 2015 to November 7, 2019.
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