The veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for his service-connected low back and left hip disabilities were denied. The original rating of 20 percent for the lumbosacral spine disability remains in effect, while a 10 percent rating is assigned for bursitis of the left hip from April 17, 2003.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease with levoscoliosis of the lumbosacral spine was rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5003. The most recent criteria for rating this disability are applicable only from September 26, 2003, and none of the three sets of rating criteria is more favorable to the veteran.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease with levoscoliosis of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 4, 2005
- Citation
- 0529619
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 0529619.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Denied
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- 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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