The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease was initially rated as 10 percent disabling from January 1, 2004 to October 26, 2008. As of October 27, 2008, the disability is evaluated at a 20 percent rating. The Veteran's umbilical hernia claim was denied initially and has not been reopened.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 61 degrees or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 121 degrees, which would warrant a higher evaluation. The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease was evaluated at a 20 percent rating as of October 27, 2008.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease, umbilical hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 17, 2010
- Citation
- 1005807
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 1005807.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for loss of teeth and service connection for an umbilical hernia.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for hernia, other than hiatal, specifically ventral, inguinal, and umbilical hernias, finding that the Veteran's obesity, caused by his service-connected disabilities, was a substantial factor in causing these hernias.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for ventral hernia and umbilical hernia based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active military service.
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