The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lower back and prostate cancer with radical prostectomy, have resulted in permanent loss of use of both legs. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing.
The deciding factor: The veteran has proven by medical evidence that his service-connected disabilities result in permanent loss of use of both lower extremities due to degenerative disc disease, which necessitates the use of a cane as an assistive device.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease, L5-S1, chronic prostatitis with epididymitis, adenocarcinoma of the prostate with radical prostectomy, degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine, bilateral plantar fascitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- September 5, 2003
- Citation
- 0322861
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 0322861.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's request for additional VR&E equipment purchases and other services under a program of independent living services, including a riding lawnmower, power tools, attending school far from home, childcare, and a vehicle, was denied due to the severity of his service-connected disabilities. The Board has ordered further development to address these issues.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to May 2, 2014.
- Granted
The Veteran's back condition, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and thoracic spine as well as degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome, is granted. The right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are also granted.
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