The veteran's service-connected low back disorder is characterized by severe limitation of motion, mild to moderate spasm and subjective complaints of pain accompanied by symptoms compatible with mild neurological deficit in the bilateral extremities. The claim for increased evaluation was granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings supported a finding that the veteran's low back disorder did not warrant an evaluation higher than 40 percent due to severe limitation of motion, mild to moderate spasm and subjective complaints of pain accompanied by symptoms compatible with mild neurological deficit in the bilateral extremities.
- Claimed conditions
- Mechanical low back strain, Early degenerative disc disease, Transitional vertebra at L5-S, Spina bifida occulta
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 16, 2007
- Citation
- 0732556
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 0732556.
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 service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing spina bifida occulta did not result in any superimposed injury or disease during his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development regarding the nature and origin of the Veteran's scoliosis and spina bifida occulta, which are considered congenital defects. The examiner is asked to determine if there was a superimposed injury or disease that caused an increase in severity during service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service and that his congenital conditions were not aggravated by service.
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