The veteran's service-connected low back disability, which included a laminectomy and degenerative spondylosis, was rated at 40 percent prior to October 2, 2003. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent is granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy, muscle spasm, and other neurological complaints without fracture or ankylosis of the spine.
- Claimed conditions
- laminectomy of the lumbar spine, degenerative spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 7, 2006
- Citation
- 0616552
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 0616552.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain and PTSD, maintaining their current disability ratings of 20 percent and 30 percent respectively.
- Granted
The veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date were granted, with the rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral arthritis, disc derangement, and degenerative spondylosis continuing. The effective date was set at October 12, 2000.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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