The Board has granted service connection for low back degenerative changes and cervical spine degenerative changes, but the rating assigned is not specified. The issues of increased ratings for cardiovascular disorder, tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, traumatic 6th cranial nerve partial palsy with correctable diplopia, TDIU, and a permanent and total disability rating for pension benefits are still pending.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's current low back and cervical spine disabilities were as likely as not related to his period of active service, but did not specify ratings or effective dates.
- Claimed conditions
- low back disorder, neck disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 30, 2003
- Citation
- 0336551
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 0336551.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, as well as higher levels of special monthly compensation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for a low back disorder to obtain additional medical evidence and ensure that the Veteran is afforded every possible consideration.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for a low back disorder was dismissed as the RO granted service connection in a November 2023 rating decision.
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