The veteran's lumbar spine disability, rated at 60 percent since March 8, 2002, is the maximum schedular rating assignable for pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome (IDS). The RO found no evidence of fracture of the vertebra, complete bony fixation of the spine, or unfavorable ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as it does not present any exceptional or unusual factors that would render impractical the application of the regular schedular standards.
- Claimed conditions
- recurrent low back strain, degenerative joint and disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- September 29, 2006
- Citation
- 0630563
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 0630563.
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 Veteran's lumbar strain and sciatic nerve disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability, so the case is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a new VA examination to assess his low back disability and obtaining Social Security Administration records. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for recurrent low back strain and entitlement to TDIU prior to November 23, 2015 are being remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 40 percent for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint and disc disease with limitation of motion.
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