The veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated neuropathy of the left lower extremity was granted, with a 40 percent evaluation assigned effective February 8, 2002, for both conditions. The decision also noted that there were no incapacitating episodes or other factors warranting higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was rated based on its orthopedic manifestations and associated neuropathy of the left lower extremity was rated separately under Diagnostic Code 8520. The decision found that the veteran did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of incapacitating episodes or other factors.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Neuropathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 24, 2006
- Citation
- 0605422
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding a positive nexus to the Veteran's active duty service.
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