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Granted

The veteran's lumbosacral strain with bilateral spondylosis at L5-S1 is currently rated as 40 percent disabling. The bone spur in the left foot and mallet toe deformity of the right foot are both rated as non-compensable.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic codes, including those related to unfavorable ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome. The veteran's disability was already at its maximum prior to September 26, 2003, and no higher rating is warranted.

Claimed conditions
lumbosacral strain with bilateral spondylosis at L5-S1, mallet toe deformity of the third toe on the right foot
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
November 19, 2004
Citation
0430756

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 0430756.

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.

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