The veteran's service connection for myofascial pain syndrome, left paramedian thoracic with muscle spasms, seizures and back strain is maintained. The finding of Schmorl's nodes in service is considered part of this disability.
The deciding factor: Schmorl's nodes were found during service but do not constitute a separate disability warranting additional compensation.
- Claimed conditions
- compressed discs of the spine, Schmorl's nodes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2007
- Citation
- 0739193
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 0739193.
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 claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition, claimed as Schmorl's nodes and degenerative changes, is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Board requires the AOJ to obtain inpatient treatment records from Tripler Army Medical Center and provide medical opinions regarding the cause of his cervical spine disability.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on forward flexion greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his spine disability due to outstanding VA treatment records and an inadequate examination. The Veteran is advised that failure to report for the scheduled examination will result in denial of his claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his spine disability is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess additional functional loss due to flare-ups and proper range of motion testing.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.