The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's disability did not result in severe incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis, which are required for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 27, 2007
- Citation
- 0730517
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 0730517.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and medical records.
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The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for gout secondary to his service-connected foot disabilities. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum from the October 2014 VA examiner and scheduling a VA examination of the Veteran's spine disability.
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