The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for lumbar disc disease was denied, and the RO found that his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 60 percent. The claims for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, and financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment were also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar disc disease does not result in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, which is required for a higher rating than 60 percent. The neurological impairment was found to be unrelated to his service-connected lumbar disc disease.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar disc disease, lower extremity neurological impairment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 20, 2009
- Citation
- 0939816
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 0939816.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder associated with lumbar disc disease was granted on March 24, 2021. The Board found that the effective date should be set to this date as there is no legal link between the previous claim and the new claim.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for left knee strain, lumbar disc disease, and cervical spine disability based on evidence supporting an in-service onset of symptoms that have continued to the present.
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