The veteran's claim for a higher rating and earlier effective date for his service-connected low back disorders was denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date than July 2, 1997, for the grant of service connection. For the rating issue, the RO determined that the veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 50 percent.
The deciding factor: The RO concluded that there was no basis to assign an effective date prior to July 2, 1997, for the grant of service connection for the low back disorders. The RO also found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 50 percent under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- old compression fracture of the third lumbar vertebra (L3), right posteriolateral herniated nucleus pulposus at the level of the fifth lumbar and first sacral intervertebral space (L5-S1), bulging disc at the level of the intervertebral space at the level of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae (L4-5) with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- September 24, 2004
- Citation
- 0426559
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 0426559.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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