The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent, and bilateral tinnitus has been granted service connection. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) have also been established.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported the findings that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease warranted a 20 percent rating based on forward flexion limited to 60 degrees, pain, tenderness, and mild neurological impairment of the lower extremities bilaterally. Bilateral tinnitus was found to be service-connected.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Bilateral tinnitus, Erectile dysfunction, Psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 29, 2010
- Citation
- 1015703
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 1015703.
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.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and other disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 29, 2020. Effective from that date, the Veteran is granted TDIU and SMC housebound.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine and right hip disabilities due to a duty to assist error. The effective date for DEA benefits is granted as May 1, 2014.
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