The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his post-operative residuals of a herniated lumbar disc was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 60 percent assigned under Diagnostic Code 5293 (pre-amendment criteria). For the cause of death, service connection was denied as there was no medical evidence showing that his back disability contributed to his death. DIC and Dependents' Educational Assistance claims were also denied.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disability did not result in additional disability separate from intervertebral disc syndrome, which is the primary basis for his current rating of 60 percent under Diagnostic Code 5293 (pre-amendment criteria). The Board found no evidence that his service-connected back disability contributed to his death.
- Claimed conditions
- post-operative residuals of a herniated lumbar disc, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- September 29, 2006
- Citation
- 0630604
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 0630604.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between the Veteran's current disability and his active military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for hypertension, an increased rating for a stroke and stroke residuals, and an increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 40 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine from February 20, 2013 to January 22, 2020, exclusive of a convalescence period. The other claims were denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to October 20, 2019, as the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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