The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his low back disorder was denied, as the condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating. The claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbosacral sprain with degenerative disc disease did not result in unfavorable ankylosis or persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy, which would warrant a higher evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral sprain with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 8, 2009
- Citation
- 0925463
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 0925463.
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.
- Denied
A rating higher than 40 percent for lumbosacral sprain with degenerative disc disease prior to March 9, 2016, and higher than 10 percent thereafter is denied.,An initial rating higher than 20 percent for left leg radiculopathy from March 9, 2016 is denied.,An initial rating higher than 20 percent for right leg radiculopathy from March 9, 2016 is denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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