The Board has determined that the veteran's disability of the low back warrants a rating of 40 percent since March 28, 2003. Prior to this date, the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the low back resulted in pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome since March 28, 2003, with no evidence of ankylosis or more than mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The Board found that this warranted a 40 percent rating under the revised criteria for evaluating intervertebral disc syndrome.

Claimed conditions

residuals of a low back injury, degenerative joint disease of the low back

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

June 2, 2006

Citation

0615983

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 0615983.