The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for mechanical back pain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted, but his request for an earlier effective date prior to December 27, 2002 for service connection remains denied.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on intervertebral disc syndrome or moderate limitation of motion. The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was denied as there were no communications prior to December 27, 2002 that could be construed as a formal or informal claim.
- Claimed conditions
- mechanical back pain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 15, 2007
- Citation
- 0707738
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0707738.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
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