The veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylosis with an old compression fracture and demonstrable deformity of L-1, head injury (including headaches and vertigo), and tinnitus have been granted initial ratings. The lumbar condition is rated at 20 percent since April 21, 2003, while the head injury and tinnitus remain at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the veteran's low back disability has worsened to a level of severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks and little intermittent relief. The tinnitus was rated as maximum schedular evaluation due to its current severity.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spondylosis with an old compression fracture, head injury (including headaches and vertigo), tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 14, 2004
- Citation
- 0433111
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 0433111.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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