Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The VA denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, but granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for static backache resulting from in-service spinal puncture.

The deciding factor: The veteran's static backache was found to be productive of moderate limitation of motion and no other disabling symptoms warranting a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

Claimed conditions
degenerative disc disease L2-L3 and L5-S1 with retrolisthesis, static backache resulting from in-service spinal puncture
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
March 3, 2008
Citation
0807121

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 0807121.

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.

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.